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Is Andrew Wiggins The Best Dressed First Overall NBA Draft Pick Of All-Time?

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Andrew Wiggins

Look at that jacket. And those SHOES!
Photo: Getty Images

That headline is a little misleading. I'm not actually asking for your opinion here. I just pretended that I was interested in whatever counter-argument you might make, so that you'd click through. I've spent the last 24 hours poring over throwback NBA Draft photos, and Andrew Wiggins, as far as I can tell, is hands down the best dressed first overall pick of all-time. Bar none. Come at me if you feel otherwise, but I'm. not. budging.

I'm not just saying this because Wiggins has been one of the most highly anticipated draft picks in recent years—so much so that many teams this year were accused of "riggin' for Wiggins" or intentionally tanking to better their odds at landing an earlier slot and nabbing him up before the other teams. I'm saying this because look at that jacket.

Think about every college-age dude you know. Now, think about the last time you saw one of them in a suit jacket. Or some slim trousers with just the right amount of ankle showing—let alone pants that actually fit them. And I'm not even going to make you rack your brain for a memory of them ever wearing a velvet smoking slipper or a lapel pin because even though I've never met them/know what their lives are like, I'm pretty sure 90% of them have never even seen either of those things IRL. If that's not enough to convince you, let's take a look back at the past few drafts' style... "highlights" is too generous of a word, but whatever, let's go with that.

Shaquille O'Neal, Glenn Robinson

Shaquille O'Neal in 1991 and Glenn Robinson in 1994
Photo: Getty Images

It's hard to find any photographic evidence of the earliest drafts on the interwebs, so we're starting with the '90s (though, if you're reeeeally curious, my style standouts before then are Hakeem Olajuwon who reprised his tux last year and the always dapper David Robinson). Anyway, Kazaam Shaquille O'Neal was the #1 draft pick in 1991, entering the NBA as the newest member of the Orlando Magic. Behind his brand new pinstriped jersey, he swaddled his 7' 1" frame in double-breasted charcoal suiting with a peaked lapel, shoulder pads and a skinny printed tie. Or maybe it's a regular tie, but it just looks skinny against that wingspan. Shaq is well-groomed and the suit appears to break in all the right places, for the '90s at least, but against Wiggins' look last night, this is super safe and almost zzzzz.

Glenn Robinson (#1 pick in 1994), however, took some similar notes—namely the tie and the overall silhouette—but updated it with a slightly less formal notched lapel and a VIBRANT mustard yellow. I respect the risk, but again, there's no comparing this to Wiggins.

LeBron James

LeBron James in 2003
Photo: Getty Images

Hey, remember this guy? LeBron James is one of the most stylish dudes in the game right now, but when he was drafted #1 in 2003, his look was a little less King James and a lot more Prom King. He definitely made a splash with this nearly all-white-everything look (save accents of black on his belt and bizarro spectator-ish dress shoes), but let's just say it's a good thing Rachel Johnson found him.

Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin

Dwight Howard in 2004 and Blake Griffin (with David Stern) in 2009
Photo: Getty Images

As we move through the 2000s, we see the advent of extra-long plackets like this 5-button situation by 2004 #1 pick Dwight Howard. Who misinformed these young impressionable boys? Who told them this was a good idea? Also, LJ opened the door for more prom-ready attire like this purple and black evening look by 2009 #1, Blake Griffin. (Though, OK, I guess it's pretty cute that he matched the purple of commish David Stern's tie, but like, only if one of them is wearing a corsage or boutonniere. [Unrelated: No, I didn't spell "boutonniere" correctly on the first try.])

Andrew Wiggins

You done good, Wiggins. You done good.
Photo: Getty Images

Which brings us back to 2014, last night, and Andrew Wiggins. The above ensemble is the combined handiwork of Brandon Williams, long-time stylist to forever crisply dressed Mike Conley, and Waraire Boswell, L.A.-based bespoke tailor who has outfitted fellow #1s LeBron James and Blake Griffin (after their drafts, that is).

Just about everything on his person was custom-created, from the satin bow tie to the brooch to the Audemars Piguet custom set with diamonds. And of course, that unforgettable printed jacket with its black satin shawl lapel was custom, too.

Williams told TMZ that they originally wanted a Dalmatian print, but the fabric was sold out. Believe it or not, the floral print of the final product was actually from an upholstery fabric store. Incredible. The dude is OWNING a print meant for a couch. That's a feat not everyone can pull off.

What makes Wiggins' Draft Day look so special to me is the unwritten statement he made by dressing like this. Like any smart interviewer would, Wiggins came to work dressed for the job he wanted. Just, in this case, that job looks like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Russell Westbrook. I'm not saying he was drafted #1 because of his outfit, but it certainly helped him look the part.

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