NBA loosens rules on coaches’ clothing choices
Steve Kerr has rarely worn a tie the past several years.
Now, the Warriors’ head coach might not have to wear even a sport coat during games.
The NBA loosened regulations on coaches’ attire in a meeting late Tuesday night, allowing for jacketless, poloshirt garb during the coronavirus pandemic.
“First of all, I’m devastated at the news,” joked Kerr, who is more likely to be seen off the court in wrinkled sweatpants and a free Tshirt than a designer suit. “I had my brand new line of suits that’s coming out this fall, so my marketing team is going to be disappointed that we’re not going to be able to put those on display during games. It’s a shame.
“My brand is going to take a hit, but I’m confident that through some other socialmedia exploits, I can get my name and face out there a little bit more and attract the attention I’m seeking.”
Witticisms aside, NBA coaches still will have to dress in “business attire”: collared shirts, pants that can’t be deemed as sweats, and socks and shoes during games.
Most important, all coaches will be mandated to wear facial coverings at all times.
When the NBA adapted to playing in the Walt Disney World bubble this summer, most of the coaches opted for polo shirts. At that time, masks were not always required.
Warriors guard Brad Wanamaker played for the Celtics in the bubble, and he believes the lax dress code is good for the coaches.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “I think the coaches probably like that even better, just being comfortable. Sometimes you get amped up and involved in a game, and you can’t make certain moves in a suit and tie.”
Not everyone will be so pleased, and the Warriors have a perfect example in nattily fashioned associate head coach Mike Brown.
Brown sometimes wears sweater vests to cover the times he has to wear polo shirts and has Joseph Abboud suits among other labels in a perfectly organized closet.
“I think Mike is going to buy even more shoes and more colored eyeglasses, so that the shoes and glasses match,” Kerr said.
Coaches may show some individuality in their glasses and shoes, but if a staff member chooses to wear a polo, the entire group has to match, according to the new agreement.
Kerr said that director of team operations Eric Housen will make the decisions for the Warriors.
As for Wednesday, Kerr got to select his own outfit.
He wore a black Tshirt that read: “Justice for Breonna Taylor.”
“As you know, I never give any thought to any sartorial choice,” Kerr said Wednesday, days after Virginia became the third state to ban noknock search warrants. Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville, Ky., police March 13 after they botched a raid. “I’ve worn this shirt many times. I just happened to wear it today.”