Tyrese Haliburton’s sideline ‘fits are the best part of the NBA

In the modern world, sports is not just about what happens on the court, field or track. Most of the buzz about the athletes actually happens before their events — that is, when they arrive at their respective venues and showcase their latest fashion creations. In basketball, this is called a tunnel fit; In Formula One, a frog’s fit; And so on. What athletes wear when they’re not in uniform matters, especially to fans who never get a chance to talk to their heroes. Clothing is a great means of communication – a way to communicate who your favorite athlete is and what they stand for. this is it go play It’s about everything. Yes, we care about the box score, the results of Free Practice 1 (even if it’s 3 a.m.), and RHOSLClevel rivalries, but today, sports fashion also matters. We have no shame in saying so.

Last season, when Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers swept the Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a piece of basketball legend was written into the history books, but not for the reason you might think. The latter franchise took home the trophy, hosted a parade, and earned the right to call themselves NBA champions, but it was the Pacers who made magic in their playoff run, writing an underdog story for the ages that will go down as one of the best examples of determination, grit, and an “us before me” mentality in the entire game. Then the worst happened. With 4:55 left in the first quarter, after three successful three-pointers, the Pacers’ star point guard Haliburton went down, rupturing his right Achilles tendon due to a strain in the same leg from Game 5 of the series. His teammates struggled, but without his leadership and clutch abilities, the Thunder prevailed, Win by 103 to 91.

As a Pacers fan (I probably shouldn’t admit this out loud given where I live), I was devastated. We were all devastated. In the months that followed, watching the NBA was never the same, at least not for me. I still watch and cheer for my team, but not having Haliburton’s magic on the field takes away the excitement. There is, however, a sense of relief, especially for a man who is as invested in the court action as he is. Outside Of lines on the shore and in the tunnel. Yes, I’m talking about clothes, and no one wears them better in the NBA than Haliburton.

The 2026 season is coming to an end soon, and the Pacers have struggled this year following injuries to several players, including Haliburton. I’ve caught most of their games, which will total 82 by the end of the regular season. The point guard has been on most of them, and almost always, he’s been on the ‘fit. When many people think of style in the NBA, the first name that comes to mind is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and for good reason. But the Oklahoma City Thunder guard isn’t the only well-dressed player. In fact, most players around the league have shown at least some degree of interest in fashion, but for me, Haliburton will always take that number one spot, even on the sideline, where he sits, stands, and cheers for a team that was minutes away from doing what practically every commentator on the game had deemed impossible in 2025.

Haliburton’s injury prompted a rebuilding season for the Pacers, which any sports fan knows makes it hard to be a fan. It’s fun to see your team win. Watching them struggle is much less fun. However, one aspect of game time that has consistently entertained me this season is Haliburton’s sideline outfits. “The Gram is going to see a lot of tours this year,” he wrote. Instagram with a slideshow of the outfits he had already debuted in November 2025, shortly after the 2026 season began. Think grandpa’s sweater in pastel shades over a shirt and tie and a liberal arts professor’s sport coat with denim and vintage Prada loafers. Later in the season, his recent sideline appearances were posted grid. The main attraction? A leather bomber jacket styled with a plaid tie, light-wash jeans and The Row’s Viral Eel-Leather Loafers; a Carhartt Canadian tuxedo styled with sand-colored suede Dr. Martens; and camouflage pants styled with his signature PUMA basketball shoes in baby pink.

In a league now filled with players trying to express and differentiate themselves through their wardrobe, Haliburton’s style stands out. He’s not afraid to take risks, play with different aesthetics and brands and introduce vintage into the tunnel. “I’m a grilled giant,” the former Iowa State University student explained. gq one in tiktok video About his style from 2024. “I’m on the grid looking for everything,” he said, referring to the online streetwear and fashion marketplace, which is filled with rare vintage and deadstock sneakers. In the same video, he discussed the change in his dressing intentions that occurred in recent seasons, especially when he arrived in Indianapolis. (Haliburton was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2020, but was traded to the Pacers along with Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson in 2022.) “I was like every other player in the NBA, wore sneakers to every game with a graphic tee and some colored jeans, and called it a day,” he said. “I realized I wanted to change my style and be a little different from everyone else.” He began collaborating with stylist and designer Olivier Rogers and everything changed.

Tyrese Haliburton from The Row carrying a Margaux bag and wearing loafers during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals in May 2025.