i'll admit i don't remember all the details, but wasn't it more about how they were dressed on the bench/courtside?
Stern's dress code stated that all players must dress in business or conservative attire while arriving and departing during a scheduled game, on the bench while injured, and when conducting official NBA business (press interviews,
charity events, etc.). The new dress code banned fashions most often associated with
hip-hop culture, specifically: jerseys,
jeans, hats,
do-rags, T-shirts, large
jewelry, sneakers and
Timberland style boots.
[3]
This particular clothing is not allowed to be worn by players to interviews, games (on and off the bench), charity events, or any other occasion affiliated with the NBA or the NBDL. Violators of the dress code are fined and may be suspended with repeat offenses.
[4] The dress code was developed with the intention of combating image problems that have plagued the NBA in recent history.
Under current NBA dress regulations, if a player does not dress to participate in a game, he must dress in a manner suitable for a coach. In the NBA, a suit or a
sport coat is required for coaches,
[3] but a
necktie is not required.