How NBA Draft Night Became a Runway for Legacy

The NBA Draft has always been more than a formality—it’s a runway, a rite of passage, and a moment of self-definition. Over the decades, draft-night fashion has evolved from baggy and brash to bold and deeply personal. Today, draft fashion isn’t just about turning heads, it's about spotlighting a journey.

Draft Legacy: Oversized Suits to Oversized Statements

In the late '90s and early 2000s, oversized suits ruled the draft stage. These outfits weren’t tailoring mishaps, they were intentional. Rooted in the era’s streetwear and hip-hop influence, the bigger the suit was, the bigger the moment became. Baggy pants, wide shoulders, and bold patterns meant confidence and rebellion.

Allen Iverson selected by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft. Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images

Whether it was Allen Iverson’s 1996 draft outfit that set the tone of effortless confidence, or Carmelo Anthony’s commitment to overly baggy suits—their style was loose, loud, and unforgettable. They may not have been “polished” by mainstream standards, but they carried serious weight. These weren’t just outfits as they were reflections of identity, reflections of an era, and reflections of unfiltered ambition. For many of the drafted players, it was the first time the world truly saw them. And they made sure to show up in an unforgettable way.

The 2003 NBA Draft. Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony

Where Family Meets Fashion

Carter Bryant's entrance at the 2025 NBA Draft was nothing short of memorable. Opting for a deep burgundy low-cut double-breasted blazer without a shirt underneath, he embraced a bold fashion choice that exuded confidence and individuality.

What truly set Bryant's outfit apart were the subtle yet meaningful details. Embroidered on the sleeve was the word "ilaya," a personal motto he shares with his mother, symbolizing "I Love All Your Atoms." This phrase, also tattooed on his wrist, reflects his unbreakable bond and dedication to his family.

Carter Bryant at 2025 NBA Draft - Round One via Getty Images

Bryant’s attire transcended mere fashion to become a vivid narrative of family, values, and personal growth displayed with intentionality and grace. On a night where many showcased designer labels, his choice stood out as a testament to authenticity and the power of personal storytelling through style. As he steps into the NBA spotlight with the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant is poised not only to make an impact with his skills but to carry his personal narrative and authenticity into every moment of his career.

Cooper Flagg: New England Raised

Flagg walked the stage in a custom Hugo Boss suit that was both sleek and simple. It wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be, his presence spoke the loudest. Flagg embodies the kind of quiet confidence that turns heads without trying.

As the No. 1 overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks, the room didn’t just see a franchise player, they saw a brand ambassador and a narrative. Flagg’s appearance was made bigger than fashion on draft night with his partnership with New Balance. Signed in 2024, Flagg became the face of the brand’s basketball resurgence—before ever playing a college game. And in a league where Nike dominates, Flagg’s loyalty to New England feels both strategic and personal.

Cooper Flagg poses for New Balance's Flagg Day campaign via New Balance

Ahead of the draft, New Balance declared June 25 “Flagg Day”, dropping a limited capsule and releasing a behind-the-scenes mini-doc featuring their Skowhegan, Maine factory. Factory workers stitched “FLAGG” into custom sneakers. For a brand often seen as understated, it was a huge marketing stance and a hometown victory lap.

Tailored by Blood, Rooted in Culture

V.J. Edgecombe poses for the 2025 NBA Draft via Sarah Stier/Getty Images

While most prospects worked with stylists and luxury houses, V.J. Edgecombe arrived on draft night in something far more intimate—a custom all-black suit designed by his brother. It was clean, elegant, and quietly powerful. But look closer, and the details told a deeper story. Subtly on the sleeves was the Bahamian flag colors, a nod to his roots in Bimini. Inside the suit, hidden photographs honored those who shaped his journey to the NBA. This wasn’t just fashion, it was family, heritage, and legacy.

V.J. Edgecombe on his new partnerships with Adidas

Selected No. 3 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers and already signed by Adidas, Edgecombe’s walk across the stage carried a generational legacy with him. The NBA Draft is inherently known for intentional fashion, but Edgecombe stood out by staying grounded. His outfit reminded us that style isn’t always about who you wear, but about who you are and the intersection of your attire.

As he steps into the league, we can only hope he continues to carry that same authenticity, not just in how he dresses but in how he leads, lives, and leaves his mark on the game.

The Walk Forward

In 2025, we saw draft fashion evolve from spectacle to statement. These looks aren’t just moments of vanity, they’re moments of visibility. Showing the world who they are and what they represent.

The NBA may draft talent, but draft night drafts culture too–every step down that tunnel redefines what legacy can look like. The walk isn’t just to the stage anymore, it’s forward movement. The walk forward is towards a future where style is strategy, where personal becomes powerful, and where legacy is worn with pride.