NBA Style Rankings: World Cup love, a red suit coat, 1980s fashion and more – The Athletic

Newcomers are always great for the weekly NBA Style Rankings. A month into the season, we have a multitude of fresh faces and fits, with more than half the players this week making their first appearance.

We’ll see everything from suit coats and dress pants to custom jerseys in support of the World Cup. Let’s get into this week’s rankings:

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10. Josh Christopher, Houston Rockets

immaculate lighting. pic.twitter.com/snJozWciZ3

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 15, 2022

In Christopher’s ascension to the NBA, he’s been well known for his sense of style. It was a no-brainer that his fashion eventually would take another step up.

The Rockets guard goes nearly all black minus his T-shirt, with the beanie, shades, cardigan, pants and boots. He’s also got several keys and key chains hanging from his belt loop as an accessory along with his necklace. Between Christopher and Jalen Green, Houston has one of the best-dressed teams in the NBA.

9. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

putting the jump in jumpman. pic.twitter.com/WW1Mf2J4gu

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 14, 2022

Williamson’s look feels almost like an ode to 1980s workout gear. He is signed to Jordan Brand, and he’s in it from head to toe.

The 22-year-old clearly has worked on his body, as he appears to be in the best shape of his young career. We also see the jacket tied around his waist, leaning even more into the old-school look.

8. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

malik monk might never take that band-aid off. pic.twitter.com/Kd7kYxpJxO

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 16, 2022

Monk is the first Kings player to make the style rankings this season. The Kentucky product has worn the bandage on the right cheek since being scratched under his eye Nov. 7 against the Golden State Warriors, and he won’t take it off. Fans at Golden 1 Center have been wearing them to support Monk ever since.

As for the fit, Monk paid homage to former Louis Vuitton men’s artistic director and CEO of Off-White Virgil Abloh, who passed away last November. The black cardigan is a great way to layer, and the black leather pants are my favorite part of the fit. What better accent pieces could one have than two chains and a Band-Aid some may think was inspired by Nelly? Monk is making his first appearance in the style rankings.

7. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

the redcoats are coming. pic.twitter.com/Tmrm19DW7P

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 14, 2022

One thing you can count on with Kuzma: You never know what you’re going to get with his fits. He’s a confident risk-taker when it comes to fashion. We see the confidence here, as he trotted into the locker room with a red suit coat, no shirt and a bucket hat.

It’s a bold choice, especially for a regular-season game in November, but Kuzma pulled it off. His cross tattoo, seemingly intentionally visible, looks like an extra accessory to his pearl necklace.

6. Jalen Williams and Lindy Waters III, Oklahoma City Thunder

pastel pigments pic.twitter.com/h7wbFSH9CC

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 16, 2022

Williams and Waters share the spotlight in these rankings. Williams’ purple pants are the focal point of his fit, but his distressed cream-colored cardigan and Lucille Ball shirt — impressive for someone born in 2001 — also score points.

Waters wouldn’t be outdone by Williams’ pants, bringing plenty of color with his own fit. The flower sweater is tapered on the torso and longer on the sleeves, accentuating his 6-foot-6 frame. He also did something I enjoy doing with fashion: He found one of the least-used, brightest colors on the sweater to match a pair of shoes with.

5. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets

⚫️🔴 (📸: @ammarmultani) pic.twitter.com/9fCunXOgpI

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 17, 2022

Green has made the list before and can continue to do so. Green got creative with how he wanted to add color to this fit, opting with the red long-sleeve shirt under the black Crossover T-shirt.

He’s got jeans with fabric dangling from the sides to make for a unique pair that feels right in theme with his style. The red and white sneakers match nicely with the undershirt, and the small chain adds bling.

4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

this guy is back. pic.twitter.com/azfGHbi7Kz

— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) November 16, 2022

Although Jackson has only played twice this season, he’s been consistent off the court with his pregame fits. The first word that came to mind when I saw this fit was “immaculate.” The all white makes him look as if he’s emerging from the shadows to save the day for Memphis.

The orange-tinted shades add a nice touch of color to the fit, but it’s not too much.

3. Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

world cup ready 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FVZg6x1oN5

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 18, 2022

The second-year guard is another newcomer to the rankings, and the “World Cup ready” caption says it all. The World Cup began Sunday, and Suggs left no question as to who he’ll be rooting for.

The Team USA jersey is fly enough, but he’s also got the custom jersey. He’s got a Cuban link and smaller diamond chain combination to add a little extra to this fit. Suggs won on and off the court Friday, as he hit a game-winner to beat the Bulls.

2. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors

Letterman Flow 👑 pic.twitter.com/rB0dgVewlD

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 16, 2022

Trent has only been in the NBA for three years and has already carved out a niche for being one of the more stylish young players in the league. The Saint Michael x Denim Tears letterman jacket is fresh, and Trent knew it.

Trent also went with white, zippered flare pants — which are new to me — with accessories like the satchel, clear-frame shades and a diamond watch. Trent makes his first appearance on these rankings with complete confidence.

1. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Hoodie SZN 🥶#WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/L3kjGiRUzM

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 19, 2022

Booker goes with (mostly) all-black everything, from his beanie to his shades, hoodie, pants and dress shoes. The tan vest was a great choice to brighten up the fit while staying warm.

Ayton came with some pregame swag of his own, rocking an Aaliyah graphic T-shirt, black pants and a denim shirt. The centerpiece of this fit has to be Ayton’s chains, as he sports Cuban links. Also, notice Ayton’s NBA Finals toiletry bag. The Suns will be on my radar after this impressive showing from their franchise players.

(Photo of Gary Trent Jr.: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)