It's considered to be one of the ugliest jerseys in the history of professional sports but maybe it was just ahead of its time.
The Vancouver Canucks' much-maligned yellow V jersey was once thought to be an eyesore. Now, it's a fashion statement, at least for one NBA star.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are facing the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA's Western Conference Final. Unlike in the NHL, where players are required to wear a suit to games, NBA players have a lot more leeway to make a personal statement with their fashion choices. For Alexander-Walker, that meant a crossover worthy of Allen Iverson, mixing basketball with hockey.
Alexander-Walker donned a Dave "Tiger" Williams #22 jersey in vivid "gold" to go with camo cargo shorts and light brown Timberlands. To top it off, a gem-encrusted Jesus hangs on a chain in the centre of the Canucks' V. It's an undeniably bold look.
It should be noted that Alexander-Walker is Canadian, though he's from Toronto rather than the west coast, so he certainly would have grown up surrounded by hockey.
While Alexander-Walker was born a decade after Williams' final game in the NHL, it's understandable that he might have an affinity for Tiger's game. Alexander-Walker is a scrappy, hard-working player who may not score as much as his teammates but is still a crucial component of his team's success.
Alexander-Walker is considered one of the best defensive players in the NBA, making him a key x-factor for the Timberwolves in the playoffs.
This isn't the first time in the past year that the Canucks V jersey has made a comeback as fashion. Just a few months ago, clothing retailer Anthropologie sold a "poncho sweater vest" that bore a striking resemblance to the Canucks' black V design.
