[GrumF14]

The fact that NBA players and coaches at least TRY to dress well, is a major positive from where I am sitting. They don't always get it right, and often go way over the top with too many buttons, shinny materials, and god awful tie knots that are as big as their heads (and egos)

But frankly, at least they are dressing up....which is more than you can say for many other professional athletes and people in the media spotlight in general.

But didn't the dress code come down as a directive from the commissioner's office-- that they were required to wear suits to and from games?

 

[GrumF14]

Not exactly. The directive from the office pertained to players that are on injured reserve and sitting on the bench. It says if you are on the bench and not in uniform, you must be in a suit.

It has nothing to do with what the players choose to wear to and from games and after games...so 99% of the NBA players that you see dressed up are doing so because they want to...not have to.

You're right here, and I looked it up. However, it does say:

Players are required to wear Business Casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business.
"Business Casual" attire means
A long or short-sleeved dress shirt (collared or turtleneck), and/or a sweater.
Dress slacks, khaki pants, or dress jeans.
Appropriate shoes and socks, including dress shoes, dress boots, or other presentable shoes, but not including sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or work boots.

and:

The following is a list of items that players are not allowed to wear at any time while on team or league business:
Sleeveless shirts
Shorts
T-shirts, jerseys, or sports apparel (unless appropriate for the event (e.g., a basketball clinic), team-identified, and approved by the team)
Headgear of any kind while a player is sitting on the bench or in the stands at a game, during media interviews, or during a team or league event or appearance (unless appropriate for the event or appearance, team-identified, and approved by the team)
Chains, pendants, or medallions worn over the player's clothes
Sunglasses while indoors
Headphones (other than on the team bus or plane, or in the team locker room)

The reasoning behind this was that the youth of this country take their lead in what's fashionable from actors/actresses and sports figures, and the NBA was trying to promote a more business-like atmosphere and remove the thug culture from the game, which some articles said made it difficult for some fans to identify with the players-- especially important in higher priced arenas like MSG in New York.