NBA Style Files: Pregame Looks We Can’t Wait To See

When Walt Disney drew up plans for EPCOT, he envisioned a small utopian city where residents could eat, sleep and play. While Disney’s grand plans never took hold in the sense he imagined, this year you could say the NBA has made that dream come true at long.

Right now, 22 of your favorite (and not-so-favorite) NBA teams are essentially quarantined inside Disney’s “Orlando Bubble,” a series of hotels and arenas in and around Disney properties. Here, players are protected from COVID-19 exposure by limiting their interaction with people outside the isolation area so they can safely complete the remainder of their disrupted season.

In addition to team isolation, reduced pay for unexcused departures from “The Bubble” and various other new rules to contend with, NBA officials also have a 113-page handbook of very specific rules and regulations to follow for this year’s unique playoff season. One rule, however, has been thrown out the window: the professional game day dress code. This season, players and coaches may forego traditional sports coats on the bench, allowing the game’s biggest names to show off their favorite fashions during pregame.

Of course, players have found ways to skirt the strict NBA dress code for years, most often in the tunnel. From the suave and polished to the downright wacky, pregame styles vary considerably as players stride into the arena. Take a look at some of our favorite tunnel looks from NBA superstars like Russel Westbrook, LeBron James, and more. Plus, peep our recommendations for recreating these fits for yourself!

P.J. Tucker

Whether rocking a white windbreaker with colorful graphics and white pants, camo shorts, a tee and red shades, or a colorfully graphic suit, the Houston Rockets’ star is a whole vibe. As he’s passing down the cinderblock halls, you’ll probably catch him with a pair of headphones on, amping himself up with a pregame playlist. Word on the street (or the internet) is that Tucker packed more than 100 pairs of sneakers for his time in the Bubble.

Recreate this look:

• Shirt – AKOO Men’s Hidden Long Sleeve Woven Top OR AKOO Men’s Feared Woven Button Up Denim Shirt
• Jeans – Smoke Rise Men’s Alpine Blue ATS Denim Jeans
• Sneakers – adidas UltraBoost “Scarlet” Men’s Running Shoe
• Hat – Jordan Pro Jumpman “Red” Snapback Hat
• Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Men’s Justin Classic Sunglasses

Troy Daniels

Air Jordans, ripped acid-washed jeans, a plain grey tee with a red plaid over shirt and subtle accessories exude Denver Nuggets’ Troy Daniels’ casual and comfortable aesthetic. Daniels says he brought about 20% of his wardrobe into the Bubble, and he said he plans on keeping fans updated with photos of his fashion. In fact, Daniels’ style got quite a bit of press in the Bubble after he posted a selfie in fitted white pants, a windbreaker and tinted shades. His former teammates good-naturedly ribbed him about being all dressed up with no place to go.

Recreate this look:

• Shirt – Nike Men’s Dri Fit Tee
• Jeans – Smoke Rise Men’s Ripped “Morning Blue” Denim Jeans
• Sneakers – Jordan 1 Mid SE “White/Hyper Royal/Black/Smoke Grey” Men’s Shoe
• Necklace – King Ice 5mm White Gold Single Row Tennis Chain
• Earrings – King Ice White Gold Round Stud Earrings
• Watch – Columbia Peak Patrol 3-Hand Day Date Light Grey Silicone Watch
• Bag – Champion Supercize 3.0 Crossbody

Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Washington Wizards’ forward calls himself “Wave Papi” and uses the tunnel as his own personal catwalk, decked out in black-and-white checkerboard jackets that complement his black Chuck Taylors. The aspiring designer recently told GQ that next year he’ll exclusively wear his own line, Dope Soul. For the Bubble, he says he hand-selected a variety of looks and will pair them with everything from Prada running shoes to Chucks.

Recreate this look:

• Jacket – PUMA Men’s MCS Woven Jacket
• Shirt – adidas Goofy “Black” Men’s Tee
• Pants – True Religion Men’s Ricky Straight Flap Jeans
• Sneakers – Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Low “Black” Men’s Casual Shoe
• Watch – Casio Men’s G-Shock Digital Watch
• Necklace – King Ice Wakanda Inspired Necklace

Russell Westbrook

From tattered sweatshirts that show off his impressive six-pack to cropped jeans, Russell Westbrook has never been one to worry about fitting into a mold. Now “Beastbrook” is back with a fresh line of clothing designed to address social justice issues. The players’ union even teamed up with the Rockets’ star’s clothing line, Honor the Gift, so expect to see Westbrook in player-exclusive T-shirts emblazoned with messages about systemic racism and equality.

• Shirt – The North Face Men’s Edge to Edge Tee
• Joggers – adidas Men’s Essential 3-Stripes Tapered Cuffed Fleece “Grey/Black” Pants
• Sneakers – adidas Superstar “White” Men’s Casual Shoe
• Hat – adidas Originals Washed Relaxed Strapback – White/Black
• Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Marshall Sunglasses

LeBron James

While in the bubble, King James has ditched his signature jeans and joggers. Instead, he’s embracing a devil-may-care brand of sportswear. Casual shorts, loose-fitting button-downs left open, shoes with no socks, shades — James reigns supreme no matter where he goes or how he dresses. Plus, it’s pretty dang hot in Orlando.

Recreate this look:

• Shirt – Drake Men’s Flyweight Vented Back Shirt
• Shorts – Nike Sportswear JDI Men’s Shorts- Lt Green
• Sneakers – Nike Cortez Men’s Casual Shoe
• Fashion Face Mask – Hudson Mask on Mask Face Mask
• Sunglasses – Arnette AN4262 Deep Ellum Sunglasses
• Watch – Columbia Peak Patrol 3-Hand Day Date Gray Silicone Watch
• Necklace – King Ice 5mm White Gold Single Row Tennis Chain

You don’t have to be an NBA player to dress like one. Hibbett | City Gear’s lineup of top-quality brands like Nike, Under Armour, adidas and Converse get the backing of some of the NBA’s finest. Find your own style at your local Hibbett | City Gear, or shop online.