The stage is set for Game 3 of the NBA Finals as the Indiana Pacers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, but beyond the action on the court, there’s an interesting trend unfolding on the sidelines—one that’s shifting the very fabric of the league’s culture. The modern NBA is increasingly embracing a more relaxed approach to coaching attire. Gone are the days of sharp suits and polished shoes; today’s coaches are opting for comfort, and it’s reflecting a much broader evolution within the league.
Cast your mind back to the classic Finals battles of the late ’80s, where the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson donned their Laker gold alongside Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in Detroit’s blue and red. Those matchups brought with them not just a clash of talent, but an impressive showdown of style led by head coaches Pat Riley and Chuck Daly. Riley, with his immaculate Armani suits, and Daly, known lovingly as “Daddy Rich,” with his extensive collection of sharp threads, brought an air of sophistication to the hardwood.
Fast forward to 2025, and the dynamic has shifted dramatically. Coaching staffs, including those of the Pacers and Thunder, have rolled out a wardrobe that could just as easily belong to a post-game lounge as it does to a high-stakes championship game. Quarter-zips—a symbol of the league’s cultural transition—are now the norm, a trend that gained momentum during the pandemic-influenced season played in the Disney World bubble back in 2020. Coaches have reveled in the new casual look, prioritizing comfort amid the rigors of the season.
Rick Carlisle, longtime president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, confirms a strong consensus among coaches regarding this relaxed dress code. “We’ve had several votes over the last few years, and it’s well over 80 percent favorable,” Carlisle explains. It’s not just head coaches chiming in; voices from assistant coaches are being heard too, showing a collective preference for attire that spares them the stress of formal wear.
NBA regulations do define business attire for coaches—sport coats or quarter-zips accompanied by dress slacks—but a growing number are choosing comfort over convention. While trainers and athletic style items like jogger pants are strictly off-limits, layers of NBA-branded polos provide the flexibility coaches now crave.
Byron Spruell, the NBA’s president of league operations, notes that this “modified dress code” emerged from the need to adapt to the demands of a less formal environment. The hot Florida summer made the case for practical changes during the bubble, and since then, coaches have reconfigured their expectations and wardrobe. The unified look of team-issued apparel not only fosters camaraderie among coaching staffs but streamlines the process of preparing for road trips.
Reflecting on the shift, Spruell suggests there’s a comfort in the simplicity of the current dress standards. Yet, he leaves the door open for a potential return to formal styles in the future, if there’s interest from coaches to switch back for fashion’s sake.
Among the chorus of coaches embracing this trend are figures like J.B. Bickerstaff of the Pistons and Quin Snyder of the Hawks. Both appreciate the simplicity that comes with a relaxed dress code, relishing the ability to focus on strategy rather than sartorial details. “It saves you a ton of time,” Bickerstaff noted, highlighting the practical benefits of eliminating the stress of matching outfits.
Despite the prevailing trend, not every voice resonates in harmony. Cleveland Cavaliers’ coach Kenny Atkinson is a notable exception, advocating for the return of suits. He finds a nostalgic elegance in formal wear, mentioning how his own daughter misses the stylish flair that suits bring to the game. This perspective reveals how, even within a league defined by evolving norms, there remains a place for tradition.
Even Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers has had to field comments from his son, Austin, who nostalgically reflects on the polished look of coaches in suits. “You look more important when you wear a suit,” Rivers recounted, with a chuckle, acknowledging the mix of opinions on this subject.
As we dive deeper into the NBA Finals, it’s clear that while the competition on the court captivates fans, the transformation on the sidelines symbolizes a shift in the sport. Coaches are now prioritizing practicality and comfort, leading to a distinct departure from the era of formal attire. As Rick Carlisle encapsulated, “The simplicity of it all makes life easier.” And as they prepare for battle, it seems that both the Pacers and Thunder will be looking sharp—even if that means donning their quarter-zips instead of tailored suits.
