[Farm93]

Isn't there a long history of NBA players dressing up nice? I don't think that's a very recent trend.

There was a time in there were the NBA players did not dress professionally, especially when the players drove to their home arena.  The NBA mandated a dress code (~2005).  The policy was implemented to help improve the overall commercial value of the association to potential corporate partners, though I am sure the official league explanation may have included a different story.

[Farm93]

Isn't there a long history of NBA players dressing up nice? I don't think that's a very recent trend.

There was a time in there were the NBA players did not dress professionally, especially when the players drove to their home arena.  The NBA mandated a dress code (~2005).  The policy was implemented to help improve the overall commercial value of the association to potential corporate partners, though I am sure the official league explanation may have included a different story.