Last night’s 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was the inauguration of the next generation of basketball talent, a celebration of athleticism, shot mechanics and game IQ. It was also a fashion spectacle.
On the biggest night of their careers, when multimillion-dollar contracts are being considered and future franchise stars get their first spin in the spotlight, these teenagers’ style choices actually mean something. The NBA is ground zero for the fashion-sport connection, and game night tunnel looks are inextricably linked to a player’s on-court reputation.
Think of it as the first opportunity to visually set the tone for their playing career. Would they play it cool, calm and collected like a single-button charcoal suit-clad DeMar DeRozan in 2009? Or go all in on a showy red sequined blazer as Gradey Dick did in 2023?
From the perfectly pared back first pick to some bold Bermuda shorts in the number 6 spot, ahead, the most memorable looks of the night.
1. Cooper Flagg
Drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks
The Duke alum’s claim to the top spot was a no doubter (has there been a more hotly anticipated player in recent years?) but we weren’t expecting the normally low-key, two-way forward to show out in such slick fashion on the red carpet as well. Dressed in a navy three-piece Boss suit that fit his six-nine frame just so and velvet Christian Louboutin slip-ons, the generational talent set out his vision for his future tunnel ’fits: “classy, sharp, even simple,” he told Vogue.
2. Will Riley
Drafted No. 21 by the Washington Wizards
Kitchener, Ont.’s own Will Riley can boast two major wins from draft night: being the only Canadian selected in the first round and having one of the most considered suits of the bunch. It was splashed in a sophisticated burgundy hue but the little details brought the whole look together: a longer, more style-forward silhouette, a handful of contrast black buttons and a slightly unstructured feel, which was appropriate for a burgeoning 19-year-old on the biggest day of his life.
3. Collin Murray-Boyles
Drafted No. 9 by the Toronto Raptors
Are we witnessing the rise of a future hometown hero? Toronto’s first-round pick is known for his defensive magic and dynamic playmaking, but it’s clear that much-lauded on-court versatility extends to his style choices, too. Sporting a navy-and-grey pinstripe suit and shirt put together in monochromatic fashion, the South Carolina forward also traded in a tie for a subtle set of diamond pieces and a pearl-embellished pin. Consider us impressed.
4. Ace Bailey
Drafted No. 5 by the Utah Jazz
Blinged-out jewelry moments are an NBA draft night mainstay, but that same sparkle on a suit jacket? Not so common. It’s why we’re big fans of the Rutgers wing’s embellished look, which featured faceted gems dotted all over the garment. Red tends to be a tricky colour in a suiting setting (it can cheapen an otherwise elevated feel) but for thinking outside of the box on the ornamentation front, we’ll give him a pass.
5. Dylan Harper
Drafted No. 2 by the San Antonio Spurs
There’s something about coming second that takes the pressure off, and for the Rutgers guard — long slated for the number two spot — that effortlessness was reflected in his suiting selection. Harper’s all-black fit seemed simple at first glance, but if you looked a little closer, you’d notice a silvery floral jacquard pattern, plus bedazzled black loafers worn sans socks. The vibe was subtlety over splashiness, and it was admirable.
6. Tre Johnson
Drafted No. 6 by the Washington Wizards
Based on his draft night look alone, we’re calling it: Tre Johnson is one to watch. The Texas Longhorn clinched the great shorts-length debate in menswear, donning a pair of past-the-knee Bermudas that perfectly showed off his cable knit socks and tassel loafers. Scouts are saying he’s a natural-born scorer, but Johnson’s ability to pull off a big fashion swing is perhaps even more notable.
7. Carter Bryant
Drafted No. 14 by the San Antonio Spurs
One of the best, most thoughtful looks of the night belonged to the Arizona Wildcat alum, who opted for a collarless, deep maroon-coloured jacket and skipped a dress shirt in favour of a diamond-flecked mariner link chain and fern-shaped pin. Going bare chested means walking a delicate line between great and gratuitous, but the 14th overall pick pulled it off with ease.
8. Joan Beringer
Drafted No. 17 by the Minnesota Timberwolves
On a night celebrating strength and stamina, it’s refreshing to see style choices that completely defy masculine design codes. Leave it to the French prospect to don a double-breasted suit in the chicest shade of dusty pink, the same colour seen on the Gucci and Amiri runways this season. Even more spectacular than this fashion-forward look? The fact that Beringer only started playing basketball four years ago. You can pick your jaw up off the floor now.
