Stereotypically, basketball is my favorite sport. Aside from watching the game, I enjoy the pageantry of the pregame and postgame fashion. I can’t pull off most of these guys’ fits, but I can appreciate the artistry.

Since the NBA passed its dress code policy in 2005 that requires players to wear business casual attire, we’ve witnessed an evolution of style across the league. The 2003 NBA draft was one of the most talented classes with guys like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. But do you remember those baggy suits? I’m good love, enjoy.

Sports Illustrated recently released its third annual Fashionable 50 list showcasing the world’s most stylish athletes, according to fashion industry movers and shakers. To my surprise, the Carolinas were well represented with players from the NBA and NFL.

Cam Newton

This was a no-brainer. His fashion sense is similar to his game — like it or hate it — is unique and works for him. Cam literally brings a lot of color to the postgame press conferences.

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Chris Paul

The Winston-Salem native’s sense of style opened the door to collaborate with men’s fashion subscription service, the Five Four Club, on his own clothing collection in 2017. Now that he and James Harden are Houston Rocket teammates, I wonder if they argue more about who has better handles or who is the better dresser.

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P.J. Tucker

Paul and Harden can argue about who is the best Rocket on the court, but P.J. Tucker can make a legitimate case for most fashionable Rocket off it. During the playoffs, the Raleigh native often arrived at arenas alongside Harden – giving the media a runway battle. Tucker is also known for having one of the most impressive sneaker collections in the NBA.

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DeAndre Hopkins

If you follow Hopkins, you know about his passion for fashion. The pride of Central, S.C., and former Clemson Tiger wide receiver, partnered with the designer brand Club Monaco in 2016 to create a chino pant for athletic men.

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Are you feeling their flair? Let us know. Check out the full list of athletes to see who earned the top spot as the Most Fashionable Athlete of 2018.

Kallan Louis is a writer and consultant for qcitymetro.com. He does a lot, but never feels like he’s doing enough. His life can be described as a Venn Diagram: News media, Black culture and sports. He’s...