James Harden Likes Bowties

by Tommy Dee on June 28th, 2009 at 1:08 am

Had the chance to chat up foxsports.com’s Pete Schrager at the draft the other night, as we were posted up right next to each other and all of us kind of scratched our head at James Harden’s getup after he went 3rd to OKC. Everyone seemed surprised that he went with the Diddy butler-look.

Check out Pete’s take on the prospect’s gear and some blasts from the past.

“…You see, for too long we’ve been devoid of creative wardrobe selections at the NBA Draft. Throughout the ’80′s and ’90s, watching this event meant three things: the Dallas Mavericks screwing something up, TNT’s Bob Neal announcing each pick, and absolutely absurd clothing choices.

Crazy get-ups and head-scratching accessories were the glue to the early years of the televised NBA Draft. Hell, they were the highlights.

Some examples?

How about Samaki Walker’s nifty get-up to the 1996 NBA Draft? Sweet hat, Samaki.

Or Karl Malone’s interesting “skinny tie” look at the 1985 Draft?

Jalen Rose’s 1995 candy cane-striped tuxedo probably takes the proverbial Draft Day suit cake.

Comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, co-hosts of the ESPN Classic show “Cheap Seats”, went to Michigan with Rose back in the mid ’90s. On the now legendary ’95 Draft suit, Randy jokes, “I think his suit came with a pimp cup. When he took the obligatory photo on stage, he actually handed David Stern his scepter so he could put on his hat.”

If Rose’s rosy red outfit was the George Washington of noteworthy Draft Day suits, Hall of Famers Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon might be the other suits on that Mount Rushmore…” more.

Two highlights for me was the brave act that both Rubio and Curry put on when walking up after hearing their names announced.

But by far the funniest moment of the night was the intensity that Ty Hansbrough went up there with. He was freekin pumped, you know like WWE pumped. I thought he was going to suplex Stern. The intensity grew when the fans started to chant “overrated.” Either way, you know Psycho T wakes up in a sweat.
  • Mucha

    1. James Harden was fresh, gotta respect the bow tie.

    2. Psycho T is underrated in my opinion.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    Agree on Tyler..

    Haha… great article… a nice break from the Rubio bananza.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    Great point about Curry and Rubio pretending to be happy. Curry was SO obvious. He did that thing where you lean back, and then suddenly remember you’re supposed to smiling.

    Flynn’s response was hilarious. He straight up laughed. Laughing… like it’s a joke… because it is.

  • charlie

    Funniest post I’ve read on any sports blog in a long time! Going to suplex Stern and wakes up in a sweat…classic!

  • charlie

    Seriously, can you imagine you work almost all your life to make it to the NBA and you have to go play for an awful franchise where you know you won’t win and have to wait several years before you can sniff a chance of getting out of there? I know they get paid, but still.

  • NJirish7

    Anyone read Brandon Jennings’ comments about the Knicks? What a tool, I hope he fails miserably in the NBA.

    http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/06/28/brandon-jennings-acting-up-again/

  • KBT1615

    I saw the video and I am ashamed I was his biggest supporter. He is a cocky bastard I said all the other guards were scared to talk trash about Rubio, He said Duhon ain’t getting it done, he said F the Knicks, and this guy didn’t know that those Knicks fans Boo everybody.
    Joe Budden was funny though he said Im only coming to your game when Kobe, Lebron and Rubio get there.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT3_fxWyplA

  • KBT1615

    *He* said all the other guards were scared to talk trash about Rubio

  • Magik_Trick

    in all his interviews prior to draft you can tell that he really really wanted to be a knick, despite him being immature about it..i cant blame him for feeling angry

    And a thought just came to me, you know how BJ came out late to shake Sterns hand? Do you think if the knicks drafted him, he would of still came out just to get boo’d? lol

  • KBT1615

    Something that is a little confusing to me is why dont we give up some of that 2010 cap space get RIP Hamilton this offseason compete for the Playoffs next season and at the same time have someone to pair with Lebron or Bosh next offseason.
    Unlike Bron, Wade said he wants to stay in Miami and is Joe Johnson really worth all of this. I mean he is good but come on.