Tell me about your upbringing in Kentucky. You grew up in a small town and weren’t well off financially. Did you have access to fashion? Did you care about it?
No. In fact I only had one sports jacket when I was in high school. It was all sneakers and Ts. It wasn’t until I went to college that I started getting interested in style. Then I got jobs that started to pay a bit more money and was able to afford some nice slacks and suits.
There’s been a noticeable change in your style since you started with the Raptors. Fans used to blast you on the message boards for your oversized, Steve Harvey-style suits. Now your look is tailored and sleek. What changed?
Well, keep in mind that the fashion was a little bit different four or five years ago. Menswear wasn’t as structured. Now, everything is more tailored and fitted. Working with NBA Coaches Association sponsors Joseph Abboud and Moores [which manufactures all its suits in a family-owned factory in Montreal] to pick custom-tailored clothing has made a big difference. I also got some of my old suits taken in.
I don’t read the message boards, but all the people making fun of my suits should know that I donated a lot of those old suits to the Moores Canadian Suit Drive, which collects clothing for disadvantaged people facing unemployment. So I gave away about 20 suits, and all these kids who didn’t have ties or jackets for interviews or work got them. They went to good use.
What’s your uniform off the court and away from the cameras?
Ts, sweatpants or really comfy jeans. I just want to get as comfortable as possible and watch game videos.
I’d argue the NBA is the most stylish professional sports league in North America. Do you agree?
I do, and I think it’s in part because other sports have to deal with the elements. So while football players are out on the field, we’re indoors and can dress nicer. It also has to do with how often we’re on television. The NBA made a big move to become more stylish and business-oriented a few years back, and it’s made a big change.
I assume you’re referring to [former NBA commissioner] David Stern’s infamous dress code, which banned items like hip-hop clothing, chains and throwback jerseys. Was that a good thing? It was controversial.
Yes, it was a good thing. Some people thought it was race-motivated, but I don’t think that had anything to do with it. The transformation has been great for the league guys aren’t walking around wearing baggy jeans any more.
What do you think of the geek-chic style of players like LeBron James, James Harden and Kevin Durant?
It’s great. I don’t have any problem with it. They dress exactly how fashionable 20-something men dress these days. When you’re young, you can pull off that look.
Would you ever rock the look?
No way – I’m too old. But I think it’s great for them.
The NBA All-Star Game comes to Toronto in February. Who do you think the best-dressed player will be?
Oh, that’s a great question! Outside the Raptors’ organization, I definitely think guys like LeBron James, James Harden and Derrick Rose will show off some great looks. On our team, Kyle Lowry has amazing style. But we have a lot of fashionable guys: Patrick Patterson, Bismack Biyombo and Jonas Valanciunas are all really into fashion as well.
