The National Basketball Association has long been a leader in fashion innovation, from the colorful sneakers all the way to players wearing designer suits during post-game press conferences. But what about jewelry? Many players can be seen outside of the court wearing necklaces, rings, and even more. The NBA dress code, which was implemented in 2005, banned a couple articles of clothing, as well as any kind of jewelry. Those rules also apply to the inactive players who sit on the bench.
The 2005 NBA dress code
David Stern, the former commissioner, implemented the new dress code in 2005. It required all players to wear business casual attire to games and at least dress shoes and a sports coat while on the bench. It also banned a large number of different jewelry items.
Concerned that the NBA was heading in an undesirable direction after the chaotic Malice at the Palace brawl of 2004, Stern implemented a dress code to promote more professional behavior from players. The prohibited items included:
- Shorts
- Baggy pants
- Sleeveless shirts
- T-shirts or jerseys
- Sunglasses
- Headphones
- Chains, pendants, and other forms of jewelry worn above the clothes
Players’ Response
Some players, including Jason Richardson, felt as if the new dress code was aimed at young black males.
“One thing to me that was kind of racist was you can’t wear chains outside your clothing. I don’t understand what that has to do with being business approachable. … You wear a suit, you still could be a crook. You see all what happened with Enron and Martha Stewart. Just because you dress a certain way doesn’t mean you’re that way. Hey, a guy could come in with baggy jeans, a ‘durag and have a Ph.D. and a person who comes in with a suit could be a three-time felon.”
-Richardson before a 2005 preseason game
As a protest, Paul Pierce still wore his chains to a preseason game and said that he loved wearing his jewelry, but he loved playing basketball even more and didn’t care about getting fined by the league.
Stephen Jackson also felt offended by the new dress code and called it a racist statement, targeted primarily at African-American style. Many of the players argued that the clothes said nothing about one’s character and that even a person in a suit could be “a crook.”
Recent Years
In the early years of the dress code, the NBA took it very seriously. There were even “fashion police” during games that would note down the clothing of players and report any noncooperation to the league officials. During those times, punishments in the form of fines were common.
After some time, NBA players accepted the dress code and found a way to start expressing themselves without breaking it. For example, pre-game outfits started giving off a fashion show feel, with many players commonly arriving in designer clothing. Because of that, many of the athletes started signing endorsements with high-end brands to show off their items.
Sixers « good vibes » Fits #BrotherlyLove #NBA pic.twitter.com/RJwgfTNEre
— NBA OUTFITS fr (@NbaOutfit) January 4, 2023
During the 2015 All-Star Weekend, LeBron James‘ Springhill Productions produced a fashion show to highlight how important fashion is in the basketball industry. Some of the biggest NBA stars walked the runway, while players like Shaq and Charles Barkley provided commentary. The whole event highlighted the fact that NBA players still remain tightly connected to fashion, despite the NBA’s dress code.
Carmelo Anthony, who first opposed the new dress code, has started his own hat line. His son was also a model during the New York Fashion Week. Russell Westbrook also likes to express himself through his style, he can often be seen wearing colorful outfits and funky accessories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA’s dress code of 2005 has had an undeniable impact on how players express themselves through fashion. While it initially faced criticism from some players, the league and its athletes have found a way to make fashion work within the confines of the rules. Today, many NBA stars are wearing designer clothes and accessories in pre-game appearances as well as off-court activities, proving that you don’t need to break any rules to be fashionable.
Can NBA players wear earrings while playing?
No, the 2005 dress code banned any type of jewelry and players cannot wear earrings.
Why can’t NBA players wear durags?
In 2000, then-Indiana Pacers center Sam Perkins sparked controversy when he wore a durag during an NBA preseason game. In response to this, the league quickly identified it as a potential safety hazard and banned players from wearing the accessory while on court.
What NBA player wears the most expensive jewelry?
Ja Morant is renowned for having an impressive jewelry collection. His collection includes several iced out watches, rings, grills, and custom chains, with some items having an estimated worth of over $200,000. It is evident that Ja has an affinity for diamonds, and he is likely to continue indulging his passion for expensive jewelry in the future.
