Just a few days after the Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned the 2025 NBA champions, a new flock of incomers are here to make their mark on the league. Tonight, round one of the NBA draft is underway at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where 30 athletes will see their dreams become a reality.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first NBA Draft Lottery, which took place in 1985. The New York Knicks selected Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing for the number one pick, where he wore his Sunday best in a classic gray suit with a red tie for some flare. With all eyes on the professional athletes as they embark on a career milestone, the players have always used this moment to dress to impress. In more recent years, however, athletes have been emphasizing their own personal style for their big night. Last year, number-eight pick Rob Dillingham collaborated with LA-based brand Seventh Heaven for his crystal-embellished draft-day suit, while Jared McCain wore Dolce & Gabbana, and Ron Holland II arrived in Versace.
The intersection of sports and fashion has never been more popular. As seen last week, the 2025 Finals were a fashion face-off, with two of the best-dressed players in the league—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton—competing on and off the court. As we wait to see who the Dallas Mavericks will choose for their number one pick, we’re taking a look at what each player is wearing on draft night.
Below, see all of the best-dressed from the 2025 NBA Draft.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images1/11Collin Murray-Boyles
The South Carolina Gamecocks forward has women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts (who just happens to be his girlfriend) in his corner.
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Sarah Stier/Getty Images2/11Cooper Flagg
This 6'9" standout Duke player from Maine wore Boss and a Hublot watch to draft day, as one simply must.
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Sarah Stier/Getty Images3/11Carter Bryant
A Cali boy at heart, this Arizona Wildcats power forward chose a deep V-neck and statement jewelry to make his draft debut.
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images4/11Asa Newell
Newell shimmered on the red carpet in an iridescent purple suit by Brian Alexander Bespoke. The Georgia Bulldogs forward accessorized his look with pearls and a Rolex nonetheless.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images5/11Cedric Coward
We love a ’fit that says something, and this former Washington State Cougars guard’s suit jacket—which is customized with sweet family photos and inspirational quotes—most definitely qualifies.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images6/11Tre Johnson
This five-star recruit who made a name for himself as a shooting guard for the Texas Longhorns proves—dressed in FEDÚ—that shorts can be effortlessly taken from the court to the red carpet.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images7/11Joan Beringer
This French prospect who has played for Cedevita Olimpija of the ABA League put an elegant, understated spin on a pop of pink (or, should we say, burnt salmon?)
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images8/11Dylan Harper
Versace. Versace. Versace. With all eyes on him, the five-star recruit kept things classic with a twist.
Evan Yu/Getty Images9/11Ace Bailey
Bailey’s flash of fuchsia (rounded out by complementary detailing on his black suit) was a welcome surprise on Wednesday.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images10/11Jeremiah Fears
This Oklahoma Sooners point guard accessorized his deep burgundy suit with a crisp white collar and the perfect amount of bespoke bijoux.
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images11/11Noa Essengue
Naturally, the French basketball player understands less is more.
