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The 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, took place over two memorable nights in New York City. On June 26th, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosted the announcement of the first 30 draft picks. The following day, June 27th, the event moved to ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan, where the next 28 players were selected. This two-night format marked a significant change from the traditional one-night event, which often stretched past midnight, leaving East Coast viewers weary and the second half of the draft with a dwindling audience.
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In January, Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, explained the reasoning behind this shift: “Based on feedback about the NBA Draft format from basketball executives around the league and my own experience in draft rooms, we believe that teams will benefit from being able to regroup between rounds and having additional time to make decisions during the second round.” He added, “Two nights of primetime coverage will also enhance the viewing experience for our fans and further showcase the draftees.” Under the new format, teams still have five minutes to make their first-round selections, but the second-round decision time has been doubled from two minutes to four, allowing for more thoughtful choices and a better overall experience for fans and teams alike.
Aside from turning their childhood dreams into reality, the NBA Draft is also a time for these aspiring pro athletes to showcase their style and make a statement off the court. It is a night of designer suits, sparkling jewelry, luxury watches, fresh haircuts, and personal messages or symbols subtly sewn into jacket linings. For these athletes, it’s an opportunity to reveal their fashion sense to the world. So, who combines athleticism with impeccable style? Let’s dive into the best-dressed rookies of this year’s draft and get to know the players who will be setting trends on LeagueFits this upcoming NBA season.
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Jaylen Wells
Drafted No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies
Jaylen Wells, 20, made a stylish entrance at the Barclays Center during the NBA Draft, styled in a sharp double-breasted cream suit custom-designed by Alba. Although he was not called during the first round, Wells donned the same elegant suit the following day when his name was finally announced. “I actually had two suits planned, but I loved this one so much,” Wells told The Colombian. “I just had to wear it again.” The other suit was a light blue jacket and pants paired with a crisp navy blue button-up. Coincidentally, the colors matched those of the team that selected him, the Memphis Grizzlies.
When speaking with Wells he shared, “I wanted to go with something simple that still stood out,” and he certainly succeeded. The suit became even more impressive when he revealed the inside, enhanced with college logo patches from Sonoma State and Washington State, paying homage to his successful years at both schools. Adding to his sophisticated look, Wells wore an Audemars Piguet (AP) watch, a gift from his agent at PNW. “The player he represented last year wore the same watch and also got picked #39. Kind of a crazy coincidence,” Wells remarked. Completing his draft-perfect ensemble, Wells paired his suit with white Common Projects shoes, perfectly complementing the white shirt beneath his suit.
Wells managed much of his suit styling through phone calls and messages, balancing it alongside a rigorous schedule of NBA workouts—23 in total—over the two months leading up to the draft. It’s impressive how the suit turned out exactly as he envisioned, despite not being physically present for customization and alterations.
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Yves Missi
Drafted No. 21 by the Pelicans
Yves Missi, 20, from Cameroon, paid homage to his homeland with a deep blue-green suit designed by Alba for the 2024 NBA Draft. At first glance, the suit appeared simple, but a closer look revealed intricate details. Each gold button, including the surgeon’s cuffs on both arms and the front button of the jacket, was etched with the outline of Cameroon.
The jacket’s inner lining featured a custom map of Cameroon on one side and a gold lion on the other. “The lion is the animal of Cameroon,” Missi explained to the New York Times. “I really love the way I look right now. The color of the suit and everything.” Embroidered above the lion were his initials, along with those of his parents and siblings, all in gold. Beneath the lion was the motto from his school in Cameroon, “Ora et labora,” which means “pray and work.”
“I feel like it’s the best suit for me. I’m just trying to promote Cameroon and bring the heritage everywhere I go,” Missi told GQ Sports. It’s wonderful to see Missi honoring his homeland, especially considering the limited number of Cameroonian players in the NBA, notably including Joel Embiid.
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Jared McCain
Drafted No. 16 by the Philidelphia 76ers
Jared McCain, 20, turned heads on the red carpet in a cropped double-breasted Dolce & Gabbana suit, adorned with shiny brooches on the lapel. McCain knew he wanted a simple, black outfit but aimed to elevate it with a colorful twist. His vision came to life with matching colorful jewelry for his rings and chains, primarily gold with vibrant accent pieces.
The result was a look that seamlessly blended class and contemporary style. McCain’s black platform shoes perfectly complemented the cut of his pants, providing an added boost in height. Known for his signature nail art, McCain confidently showcased a glossy black manicure. While on the NBA Draft red carpet, he told NBA Future Stars Now, “I had to do the nail polish. I went with a simple vibe. I wish I could put the team I’m going to, but I have no clue.” His polished nails were the perfect final touch to his sleek and stylish outfit.
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Carlton Carrington
Drafted No. 14 by the Portland Trail Blazers – Traded to Washington Wizards
Carlton Carrington, 18, also known as Bub, made a striking appearance in an all-black Dior suit and shirt. For Carrington, what you wear on draft day is a reflection of your personality, and as a self-described simple guy, he opted for a classic black suit. The standout feature of his ensemble was a green pin on the lapel. “This ribbon is to bring awareness to mental health. The green is meant for that,” he explained. Carrington is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and it was inspiring to see him use such a high-profile event to highlight this important issue.
In an interview with NBA Future Stars Now, Carrington emphasized the importance of mental health in sports: “I feel like it’s not really talked about enough. Mental health and just having your mind right is 50% of the game. The more we bring awareness to that, the more we understand basketball players as a whole. Not just that they’re basketball players, they’re people who play basketball.” His future shines brightly, not only as a basketball player but also as a leader in activism and advocacy. As he embarks on his professional journey with Portland, it will be fascinating to see how Carrington continues to make a difference both on and off the court.
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Rob Dillingham
Drafted No. 8 by the San Antonio Spurs, Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham, 19, made a bold statement in a bedazzled black suit by Seventh Heaven, paired with a crisp white shirt, Chrome Heart Converse sneakers, and stylish glasses. The rookie had a clear vision for his draft night look, and designer John Ross brought it to life flawlessly. “I knew I wanted a black suit. I looked up inspiration from other clothes and showed Seventh Heaven my ideas,” Dillingham explained to Vogue.
He mentioned that his typical style is “chill and laid-back” and that he isn’t partial to any one label. However, his standout look was far from his usual style. Additionally, he complemented the suit with a tennis necklace and a gold Richard Mille watch. The suit’s intricate details included crystal beading around the wrists and ankles, which extended vertically up the sleeves and pant legs, adding a touch of sparkle to his dark, yet flashy outfit.
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Conclusion
The 2024 NBA Draft showcased another year of remarkable uniqueness, style, and fashion, as the draftees went all out with their looks. While many outfits appeared simple at first glance, closer inspection revealed intricate details and touching symbolism. This year’s draft class set a high bar, giving audiences a taste of the stylish pre-game tunnel fits to expect in the upcoming NBA season. Best of luck to these rookies as they embark on the next chapter of their basketball careers, and may they continue to impress viewers both on and off the court.
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Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
