Boston Celtics
Tatum served up a sophisticated layering of Parisian luxury, ’90s nostalgia, street swagger, and fire footwear in the tunnel prior to Friday’s game.
Jayson Tatum served up some ’90s nostalgia in his pregame fit ahead of his return game on Friday. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)
How did Jayson Tatum pull it off? Twenty-seven minutes and a double-double. Threes and dunks. Ask any sports analyst covering the game — he looked good for his triumphant return to the rotation.
He looked really good.
The command we saw Friday night started backstage on the “JetBlue Runway.” We got the first glimpse of Tatum nearly 90 minutes before tip. He stepped off the elevator and back into the spotlight.
What Tatum wore in the tunnel
At first glance, “nice fit,” more subtle compared to his colleagues around the NBA. But this ensemble, shared and liked everywhere, flashed on maybe millions of screens, and elevated the basketball style conversation.
Examining more closely, there is a lot of beautiful clothing worn around the league, but who is wearing Lanvin with Timberlands? Tatum served up a sophisticated layering of Parisian luxury, ’90s nostalgia, street swagger, and fire footwear.
What Tatum conveyed from the tunnel
- Chicness: Apparent high-end denim from a French luxury fashion house — a tasteful choice for a nationally televised debut. The set rendered slightly distressed, accidental but intentional, with an ornamental buckle in the back.
- Coordination: The glint of the eyelet, the glimmer of a watch, and all that gold stitchwork harmonized like a team rallying for a win.
- Confidence: Serious business calls for a crisp, collared shirt. It’s a classic for a reason. It is the closet workhorse — what we wear for a major presentation or interview.
- Connotation: The “Bruce Lee” Jordan Tatum 4 Player Exclusive offered a symbolic representation of the discipline required for Tatum’s level of mastery. “Home” worn during the game spoke for itself.
- Comfort: Not a lot of bling or bluster, and his clothes draped his physique naturally. Tatum likes simplicity in his wardrobe.
We could call that the five Cs of Tatum’s sartorial comeback, but another “C” comes to mind: CBK.
Do a quick search on your favorite social media app and you’ll find the debates and the enduring lore of Caroline Bessette Kennedy — specifically her elusive style and effortless taste: How was her style so iconic? How did she look so chic in simple coats, basic pants, and minimal makeup? And no jewelry? How did she pull off her signature aura?
JT may be the CBK of the NBA right now, and there’s almost no point in dissecting his game. It just is.
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