Young said that he wanted to do something different and be the first to wear shorts to the NBA DraftNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
This year's NBA Draft prospects "all came out to show off their style Thursday," but the player "catching the most flak online" is Hawks G Trae Young, according to Noel Harris of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Young and his little brother "showed up to Barclays Center in Brooklyn wearing matching suits with shorts," similar to what Cavaliers F LeBron James wore during the postseason. Kings F Marvin Bagley III "paid homage to Jesus on the inside" of his J.C. Penney suit, as the lining "has the initials J.R.E.A.M., which stands for 'Jesus Rules Everything Around Me.'" Also "featured on the inside: a photo of himself." Another "standout look was the floral print suit sported" by Clippers G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though some "likened it to wallpaper and other things found at a grandmother's house" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/22). ESPN's Jalen Rose said, "I appreciated everybody's look in one way, shape or form. I didn't see one person, including Trae Young's shorts, and be like, 'That was terrible.'" Rose: "These guys clearly have budgets, something I wish I would have had when I got drafted" ("Get Up!," ESPN, 6/22).
WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS? Young after being drafted was asked by ESPN's Maria Taylor about his sartorial choice. He said, "I was looking back at history and I was wondering, 'What could I do different?' Nobody has ever worn shorts to a Draft, so I wanted to be different and wear shorts for the first time" ("NBA Draft," ESPN, 6/21). Social media influencer Stevie Hendrix said, "If you're going to do the short suit, you got to wear the socks." It was noted while Young went without socks on Thursday, James did wear them while wearing his short suit. Hendrix: "Trae looks like a rookie here. LeBron looks like 'The King'" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/22). USA TODAY's Alysha Tsuji notes there are "always jokes when the shorts are worn, but I'd like to share that Young's little brother got a matching suit and they're so adorable -- such a priceless family fashion moment" (USA TODAY, 6/22).
WAKANDA FOREVER: YAHOO SPORTS' Jack Baer noted Bulls F Wendell Carter Jr. wore a "Black Panther sash ... printed with a tiger" in reference to the Marvel character. Both of Carter's parents also were "wearing clothes bearing a tiger." Kylia Carter's outfit "comes by Gucci," as did Wendell Carter’s suit "judging from the 7-footer’s belt" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/21). ESPN's Stan Verrett said Carter "made a very bold statement with a look that was equal parts Gucci and Black Panther." Social media influencer Sazan Barzani said, "When I first saw this look on Wendell, I thought, 'What in the world is going on? Then I found out he was inspired by Black Panther." She added, "At first it kind of looked like he was wearing a baby swaddle. ... But if it's Gucci, you can't go wrong with Gucci" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/22). ESPN's Michelle Beadle: "Gucci down to the socks. I have no problem with it. I like the look and I know for the youngsters, it's inspired by 'Black Panther.' But it's really inspired by 'Coming to America'" ("Get Up!," ESPN, 6/22).
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? In DC, Kendra Andrews wrote if there was "one statement piece of the night, it had to be" Gilgeous-Alexander’s floral suit. Not only did the suit "feature the floral pattern, his button down did as well." He "tied it all together with a turquoise tie." Some thought his look was "pure fire, while others found it reminiscent of curtains" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 6/21). Barzani felt the suit "looks like a '90s couch that you cover with plastic." However, Hendrix said, "He gets my vote of the day for my favorite because of the statement that he made. I felt like it was new, it was fresh. I liked it" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/22).
MORE HIGHLIGHTS: CBSSPORTS.com's Pete Blackburn wrote there is "not enough" to be said about "how great" Suns F Mikal Bridges looked. Blue and black is "always a great combo, but the patterned jacket is absolutely scorching hot." The black-on-black underneath is "slick but, most importantly, makes sure the attention stays on the headliner." Bridges "repped his college squad, Villanova, with a custom lining on the inside of the jacket, and he smartly showed it off on stage" (CBSSPORTS.com, 6/21). Barzani called Bagley her "best dressed pick," saying, "I love that this suit was timeless. He has his own personal touch on the interior" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/22). ESPN's Scott Van Pelt said Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr. "really upped it up" with his ensemble" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/22).
HOPE HE WAS PAID FOR THAT: ENGADGET.com's Richard Lawler notes Knicks draftee Kevin Knox made a tribute to the video game "Fortnite" and took it to the "next level by putting the game's logo on the inner lining of his suit jacket" (ENGADGET.com, 6/22).
