How NBA Star Mike Conley Is Upping His Sartorial Game Off the Court

For Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, however, cooler weather marks the start of basketball season and the NBA opener against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. After Conley’s front row appearances at New York Fashion Week: Men’s, we asked the court king with a strong sartorial eye what he’s looking forward to for the season ahead:

What are your go-to pieces when you’re not in uniform?

I love Diesel jeans. I actually enjoy what Diesel Black Gold is doing right now, too. I think Public School might be one of my new favorite designers after their last show.

You have a knack for mixing patterns and colors. What are some of your tried-and-true combinations?

Plaids and textured solids work well for me. I used to avoid polka dots, but my stylist, Brandon Williams, has found a way to make them make sense for me . . . He found a way to help me identify my personal style and brand without looking like I was trying.

After spending time in New York for the shows, how does fashion differ in NYC and Memphis?

I live nine months in Memphis and then off-season in Columbus, Ohio, where there aren’t even high-end department stores nearby. [My wife] Mary was actually joking that H&M was just coming to Columbus this summer, which tells you that the ability to dress to your individual taste is kind of difficult. I have a stylist, so that helps keep me fashion-forward, but most of the time I can really just go around town in my Grizzlies gear and fit right in! That’s what made [New York Fashion Week: Men’s] so fun—I finally had a reason to push the limits with fashion!

If you could style any of your teammates, who would it be?

T.A.! [Tony Allen]

When Russell Westbrook injured his face, he wanted to wear a designer mask, which the NBA denied. After your recent facial injury, did you have any qualms about wearing a clear version?

I can understand why Russ would want to do that! But for me it’s always about comfort. Seeing how the fans took to the mask, however, I think it would be cool to have some kind of design to it.

We couldn’t agree with you more. May we suggest tapping Undercover or Maison Margiela for a more fashion-forward option.

—Amber Kallor, Style.com