Dillon Brooks makes his entrance ahead of the Houston Rockets’ 2025 NBA Playoff clash with the Golden State Warriors. Logan Riely/NBAE/Getty Images
As reported by CNN
29-year-old Canadian basketball player Dillon Brooks is stepping into the spotlight in a carefully curated suit, and from behind reporters’ camera lenses come the first reports on his look. Photos of his style are sweeping across social media, and sports outlets are praising his boldness in his outfit choice.
And this isn’t an actor or musician, not a fashion blogger or a model at the fashion week’s hundredth edition. This is an NBA player who turns style into yet another component of his professional image. His tunnel walk has become a ritual before games, drawing fans’ attention and underscoring a new era of fashion in the league.
“It’s really cool that we can walk our own little red carpet before the game.”
With each season, tunnel exits of stars showcase increasingly diverse styles – from exclusive sneakers to bold accessories and unconventional fabric combinations. Viewers see fashion flowing from runways to the courts, turning outfits into part of the narrative about the league’s superstar status.
“I think it’s important. It’s part of – not the game itself, but everything that happens before it. Building relationships with the fans. The whole pre-game wow factor with cameras and media”
Such changes have never appeared before. In the past the NBA tended to keep modesty, but now style has become the driving force behind the league’s brand, with players’ looks revealing their character and ambitions not only on the court.
“Some people have stylists who curate their looks”
Clarkson of the New York Knicks has become one of the voices of this movement, noting that the era of style in the NBA began about ten years ago, naming Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook as those who opened the doors to a new era.
“He is a major pillar in NBA fashion”
Forward Jared Vanderbilt of the Lakers believes that the true fashion revolution appeared much later. According to him, five years ago there weren’t many players who cared about style.
“I would say that five years ago there were only a few players who were interested in fashion”
Stars are gradually embracing a desire to experiment with their image. Styles have stopped being merely an element of flashy play – they have become part of the league’s marketing potential, allowing players to express themselves beyond the court.
“I feel that a lot of guys are picking this up. When five or six years ago everything looked like only a few people went to Fashion Week, now it’s many people”
Today the tunnel walk has become part of the NBA’s visual brand: many players use clothing to express themselves, underscoring individuality and the team’s character.
“It’s just a way of self-expression. I love how I put my look together and never leave the house looking anything less than fresh”
Even bold choices – wearing rings, bags, or leather boots – have become a commonplace part of league stars’ style. Such looks strengthen players’ images as influential figures beyond the court.
Who among the players is considered the best-dressed?
“Honestly, I think I have the best style this year,” Brooks says with confidence.
“I would definitely say that it’s me”
“I would say the same,” Clarkson replies.
“I would definitely call myself the best-dressed”
In the final piece, Jacob Lev of CNN joined to gather different angles of this fashion wave.
“Jacob Lev of CNN joined the piece.”
Overall, NBA fashion is turning into a steady trend: from tunnel entrances to collectible accessories, every player has a chance to make a statement with their own look and make the league not only athletic but also a culturally significant part of modern style.
