Russell Westbrook has long had a reputation as one of the most stylish men in basketball.
For many in fashion circles, the Denver Nuggets point guard and has tunnel walks became must-see TV and in 2017 he launched his own label, Honor The Gift.
On the court, Westbrook is still chasing an elusive NBA championship as he plays out the final years of his legendary career, but this week he bolstered his resume with a different title.
WNBA Draft stylist.
In recent months, Westbrook has been collaborating with Kentucky prospect Georgia Amoore — who was taken as the sixth overall pick by the Washington Mystics — on a custom look for the big night.
Their story began with a zoom call, in which the Australian guard told the 2017 NBA MVP that she wanted a cropped blazer and a skirt, but ‘didn’t know what to expect’ past that.
On Monday night, the look was revealed to the world, with Honor The Gift landing on a black leather blazer with white-stitch floral embroidery — cropped to the 24-year-old’s liking — paired with a matching mini skirt.
“We didn’t want to go too crazy, but also wanted to give her a little bit of swagger for one of the biggest moments and nights of her life,” Westbrook, who has a net worth of $375million, said of the fit.
It was designed along with a shirt that read ‘Honor Women’ – a nod to the values that both basketball stars hold.
“It’s a statement about how I was raised and how I live my life,” Westbrook told Vogue ahead of draft night.
“My mom taught me about strength and sacrifice. My wife shows me what true partnership looks like. And now having daughters, I’m even more committed to creating a world that honors and respects women.”
Amoore’s outfit also featured accessories, and although she describes herself as a ‘simple girl’, she embraced the additions.
“We started piling on the bracelets. The more you put on, the more you want!,” the No. 6 pick said, recalling her last fitting.
“As good as the outfit was plain, the necklace and the rings and the bracelets really tied it together.”
Amoore, a 5-foot-6 senior, spent four seasons at Virginia Tech, where she averaged 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
She used her final year of college eligibility to transfer to Kentucky, where she posted a career-high 19.6 points along with 2.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, before declaring for the draft.
While Paige Bueckers went first overall after signing a stunning deal with a rival league even before entering the WNBA, Amoore has made history with Westbrook.
“This has never happened before — no athlete has ever dressed another athlete for a draft, let alone an NBA player designing for a WNBA Draft,” Westbrook explained.
“We’re making history right here, breaking down those barriers between men’s and women’s sports.”
Amoore, meanwhile, described the collaboration as ‘surreal’ and noted that she ‘couldn’t think of a better way to begin’ her journey as a WNBA player.
She joins a growing number of Australians to be drafted in the first round, while becoming the nation’s highest-selected player since Liz Cambage was taken at second overall by the Tulsa Shock in 2011.
The Mystics, with a new coach and general manager, had three of the first six picks on Monday.
They selected Sonia Citron at No. 3, and Kiki Iriafen at No. 4, ahead of Amoore.
Angel Reese, meanwhile, made a WNBA championship prediction after being reunited with Hailey Van Lith on the Chicago Sky.
