How ESPN's NBA guys measure up for style sake

Magic Johnson, Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Stuart Scott presented the breakdown after Game 1 of the Western Conference semis between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz on Sunday.

There are couple of things to know about wardrobe selection that might explain why certain colors that are seen on TV aren't necessarily popular choices in conventional workplace wear.

First, a studio's backdrop is a factor when choosing what to wear. The last thing anyone in front of a camera wants is to blend in with the background.

Second, you might see three-button jackets being worn more often than two-button models because it's a cleaner look on camera when the top two buttons of the jacket are fastened. So don't follow the bandwagon that three-button models are not "in." Such trends are cyclical and should not sway your clothing decisions. What matters is that the look is simple and elegant.

Back to the ESPN crew on Sunday night:

-- Magic Johnson came out of the box strong with a peak-lapel, gray suit with a pinstripe pattern and a solid pink shirt. Mr. Johnson's tie, however, does not anchor the look. It is a red, white and light blue stripe that competes with the pattern of the suit and looks fuzzy altogether. I would suggest a solid charcoal or black tie, which give an understated elegance and does not steal the suit's thunder. Grade: B-

-- Jon Barry's solid tan suit evokes the season that is spring, and his deep red paisley tie is an excellent complement with his tattersall shirt. Well balanced and well coordinated. Grade: A

-- Michael Wilbon's light gray suit contrasts well with his pale yellow shirt. The brown tie with light blue and light brown polka dots looks great on TV, but does not pick up the color of the jacket or shirt. I'm not certain whether the pattern of the jacket is a glen plaid, which usually has light blue lines running vertically and horizontally throughout. It's not easy to see on TV. Grade: B

-- Stuart Scott's light gray suit matches up well with his light gray striped shirt, but the kelly green tie and multicolor pocket square dominate the suit. The knot on the tie is so big that it doesn't come up flush against the top of the collar, and the pocket square doesn't match anything else that he's wearing. Grade: C-

NBA postgame wear: Now you're talkin'

In my previous two posts, I made note of the attire of players during postgame interviews in need of improvement. I would now like to recognize those outfits that look the part of a seasoned pro.

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony comes through in a big way after a Game 3 loss at Utah on Friday. Mr. Anthony wears a suit and tie, with contrasting-collar shirt and pocket square. The wide stripe of the tie avoids competing with the stripe of the shirt.

Other tie options that would work well with Mr. Anthony's suit include either paisley or polka-dot patterns as a complement to the suit and shirt. As for the pocket square, it should match the color of the tie.

Mr. Anthony's teammate, Chauncey Billups, presents a casual look that's very cool. Notice the V-neck white tee contrasting with a form-fitting black jacket. Mr. Billups looks as if he's in control, very understated.

Utah's Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams display varying degrees of casual. Mr. Boozer goes open collar with his jacket and pocket square, while Mr. Williams goes with a striped cardigan. Both mendo not call attention to their appearances, yet both are clearly comfortable in their clothing.

Keep it up, fellas.