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The Sixers guard - a hip-hop icon and purveyor of its fashion - has been outspoken about the dress code, but said in the weeks leading up to the season opener that he would be in compliance with the regulations.
So when Iverson pulled into the players parking area around 5:10 p.m. in his black Bentley for tonight's tilt with the Milwaukee Bucks, a large crowd had gathered on the fenced overlook.
Flashbulbs popped from photographers as Iverson exited his car to the romps of a rap ditty.
"Who are you wearing, A.I.?" asked one reporter.
AI 'suits up' for opener
By Jeff McLane
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
There wasn't a red carpet, Joan Rivers or a swarm of limousines, but the atmosphere surrounding the players' entrance to the Wachovia Center today had the feel of an Academy Awards pre-show.
Today is the first day of the new season and the start of enforcement of the NBA dress code. The rules spell out what can and cannot be worn by the players entering and leaving an NBA function. The rule also details what attire is appropriate when sitting on the bench in street clothes.
The 76ers home opener tonight not only brought out fans excited about Maurice Cheeks' return to the franchise as head coach, but reporters and gawkers interested in what duds Allen Iverson was wearing.
The Sixers guard - a hip-hop icon and purveyor of its fashion - has been outspoken about the dress code, but said in the weeks leading up to the season opener that he would be in compliance with the regulations.
So when Iverson pulled into the players parking area around 5:10 p.m. in his black Bentley for tonight's tilt with the Milwaukee Bucks, a large crowd had gathered on the fenced overlook.
Flashbulbs popped from photographers as Iverson exited his car to the romps of a rap ditty.
"Who are you wearing, A.I.?" asked one reporter.
Sporting a large dark leather jacket, baggy "dress" pants and untouched Hush Puppies, Iverson remained silent but waved to the throng that broke out in applause.
Apparently, Iverson decided to avoid the fines that will be levied by NBA Commissioner David Stern for those who don't conform. Gone were the sneakers, the throwback jersey and the doo-rag, but Iverson's staple corn-rows were freshly cut.
Iverson wasn't the only player to steer clear of violations. Most of the Sixers wore suits, with crisp button-down shirts and some even added ties to the ensemble.
Sixers guard Andre Iguodala stepped out of his luxury sedan with a doo-rag on his head, but quickly took it off and grabbed his jacket out of his back seat and slipped it on.
Iguodala wore a navy four-button suit with black shoes and a tie. The second-year pro was asked who made his clothes.
"They're custom made," Iguodala responded.
Kevin Ollie and Kyle Korver showed up in their Sunday best. Ollie, the Sixers' backup point guard, had on a brown suit and brown shoes with a white button down. Korver arrived as the Bucks' team bus pulled in. The three-point specialist was donning a navy suit, sans tie.
The Bucks players wore an assortment of styles. Most had on jackets or suits. Toni Kukoc might not have gotten the memo on the dress code.
The former Sixers guard had on a white shirt without a collar, that looked more like a t-shirt than a dress shirt.
Sixers guard John Salmons opted for the dress jeans look. The Plymouth Whitemarsh product added an un-tucked collar shirt and blazer to his blue jeans.
The fashion show ended as soon as Iverson entered the arena. There won't be any awards given out during tonight's game, though. The Sixers will have to wait almost eight months before they learn if they've won the only award they're seeking: an NBA championship.
