The Evolution of NBA Swag and Fashion

Michael Jordan's greatness extended beyond his abilities on the court.  He also played a huge role in sparking fashion advancements in the game and also implemented some swag, along with other NBA players throughout the years.

He is responsible for one of the most notable brands worldwide and represents the epitome of swag on and off the basketball court.

However, other players also did their part in advancing the style and appeal of NBA fashion.

Let's take a quick journey through NBA history.

Taylor Gang

Before Jordans, before Nikes, before all other quote on quote basketball shoes, NBA players wore their Chuck Taylors with their long tube socks.

These shoes are popular once again today, but not in the NBA, nor will they ever be again.

Shoes have advanced more than anything else in the NBA and will continue to do so.  

Leave the chucks to Wiz Khalifa.

Who Wears Short Shorts

The fact that Michael Jordan requested bigger shorts so he could wear his North Carolina ones underneath is not appreciated enough.

Just imagine Dwight Howard or Shaq in these shorts and click next when you're done cringing.

The Fro

Among other things, including his high-flying acts and exciting finishes at the rim, Dr. J is definitely known for the role he played in the popularization of the fro.

Surely it was not something easy to care for every day (talk about a bed head), but he rocked the all natural like no other and implemented his own form of swag.

Other players would follow in the years to come, including Kobe Bryant and his mini-fro, along with Ben Wallace and his outrageous hairdo.

But nobody rocked it like Dr. J.

Headbands

Wilt Chamberlin was the first player to wear a headband in the NBA in order to keep the sweat out his eyes.

However, headbands moved away from serving a purpose and more towards being fashion statements for players down the line.

In LeBron's case, they serve a different purpose of hiding that hairline (hey, whatever works).

Cornrows

Allen Iverson wore cornrows for the first time in the 2001 All-Star game and started a revolution.

The most recognized player to ever wear them, along with Carmelo Anthony, one can only imagine just how long Dr. J's would have been.

Yet today, after Udonis Haslem finally got rid of his, the cornrows have become extinct.

For now at least, who knows what Johakim Noah will do with his hair next.

Let Me Just Write on My Shoes

Whether it says "RIP Johnny Boy," "I love this game" or you're Stephon Marbury and sending a message to your owner, many NBA players have written on their shoes at one point in time.

Especially considering how many shoes they go through during the year.

The Sleeve

The shooters' sleeve is still a phenomenon not completely understood in the NBA. 

Some players wear them on two arms (Josh Smith), while shooters like Ray Allen often times don't even wear them on their shooting arm.

Another fad credited to Allen Iverson, he originally wore the sleeve for protection but continued to wear it afterwards even when his arm was completely healed. 

Signature Shoes

Seems like everyone nowadays gets a signature shoe, but it is always the superstar's that will sell.

With the high-tech commercials being produced today, it is no wonder fans and players' obsession with shoes is increasing every year.

The more popular the player, the more popular the shoe, so stop talking about how light they are.  If they are .005 ounces, but are DJ Mbenga's shoes, I'm not buying them.

Pre-Game Antics

LeBron James in particular loves to have fun not only during games, but also before them.

This kind of scene would have never been seen in the '80s, but in today's time the NBA is about entertainment more than it has been in the past.

There are planned handshakes, skits and in LeBron's case, the collective throwing of chalk in the air. 

Although it doesn't necessarily scream sportsmanship, the fans love it.

The NBA: where entertainment happens.

Throwbacks

A common belief is that what was once popular will reappear later on down the road (well, hopefully not short-shorts), and this does apply to what are now referred to as throwback jerseys.

Fans love to buy them and players love to wear them (a looser version, of course) in order to pay homage to the players who paved the way for them.