Basketball is notorious for some wild fashion, led from the tunnel by Kyle Kuzma’s 1-of-1 sweaters and bright patterns. They even got LeBron James on the tapered pants wave. As Khloé Kardashian praises Angel Reese’s wardrobe, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey rose to internet fame in feathered fashion.
Look to the NBA sidelines, where coaches freely accentuate their style from shoes to spectacles. Gone are the days of 3-piece suits and dress code fines. When the box score doesn’t impress, these 5 NBA leaders catch eyes with subtle and personalized touches.
Quin Snyder’s Red Frames, Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder needs no introduction here. He’s the original stylish NBA coach, inspiring the stifled and dress code-obligated across all sports. His statement red glasses are a subtle complement to the Hawks’ team color palette. What better to watch Trae Young dish out assists than with Snyder’s signature specs? With a few league leaders in Atlanta’s lineup, those peepers are spotting something nice in the playbook.
Jordi Fernández’s Comfy Kicks, Brooklyn Nets
Up next, a divisive wardrobe staple. Are white sneakers best worn in fair weather, or not at all? Jordí Fernández breaks out his pair on the sideline, whether he’s leading Team Canada or the Brooklyn Nets.
That’s right. There’s a new signature sneaker shaking the court among the sea of Kobes, Sabrinas, and Jordans. First-year coach Fernández chooses sleek comfort and the Nets’ neutral palette over traditional hardwood kicks. He’ll even rock some skater shoes. So when Fernández faced off with his mentor, former Kings coach Mike Brown, the two wore identical pairs of classic Vans. It was heartwarming. Edgy. And likely sponsored by Vans. Fernández was equal parts dichromatic and elated as Brooklyn defeated Sacramento.
JJ Redick’s Canvas, Los Angeles Lakers
Michael Malone’s insane Maxie the Miner tattoo reigns supreme on coach body modifications, but JJ Redick’s ink alludes to the essence of his suited on-air persona. Early in his playing career, Redick’s attitude didn’t impress many. But Duke’s “bad boy” eventually won hearts and headlines with each new piece. As far as sleeves can show, the rookie coach is the most tattooed head coach in today’s NBA. With over 50% of current NBA players inked, however, Redick’s title might not stand for long.
It makes sense why JJ Redick’s Mensa-level basketball IQ comes with a challenge of league norms. As Bob Dylan said, the times they are a-changing. Casual clothing and visible tats are leading workplace fashion, baby.
The proudly tattoed will take any opportunity to show a glimpse of ink at any given moment. As he leads the below-expectation Lakers, JJ is trading threes for DIY three-quarter length sleeves. We see you, coach. Everyone does it. Please just roll up those sleeves and get to work.
Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
Tom Thibodeau has the same expression whether his Knicks hold a 26-point lead or trail by 3. Unenthused. Known for his stress gestures and inability to sit down ever, Thibodeau needs no glitz, garb, or accents to be the Knicks’ sideline personality. Stonefaced, he’s New York’s resident Easter Island head. Give him one bad call, though, and this coach has explosive potential. Thibodeau can reign himself in, according to NBA officials, because he has yet to be ejected from an NBA contest. For those watching – and lipreading – at home, Thibs’ Resting Bothered Face and signature arm crossing steal the sideline show.
Nick Nurse’s Clock Management, Philadelphia 76ers
In the middle of an underwhelming Philadelphia 76ers season, the Mad Scientist seems to have taken up horology. Nick Nurse’s impressive wristwatch collection shines regardless of the game outcome. And the early season drama around Joel Embiid’s punctuality proves that time-telling is not the main function. Following the disastrous Nov. 19 loss to Miami, Nurse was an hour late to his press conference, flashing this IWC Portugieser to distract waiting reporters.
Philadelphia has lost its brotherly love for Coach Nurse. Fans can appreciate his nightly wrist candy, but are unhappy with his performance, according to X user @iamrahstradamus:
At this point the only redeeming quality about Nick Nurse is his watch collection. Any given day he can show up on the bench with a Richard Mille or a Rolex on.
— Raheem Palmer (@iamrahstradamus) January 3, 2025
If Rolexes alone won’t win fans back, what can? As Philadelphia surges up the East lately, Nurse finally saw the clock ticking on a salvaged season. And his job.
