The Indiana Pacers guard and 2018 NBA Most Improved Player shares his thoughts on a soul-music legend, Tinseltown-inspired apparel, and other recent obsessions. —As told to J.R. Sullivan
Apparel
“I just got a Louis Vuitton Wizard of Oz bomber jacket. It was designed by Virgil Abloh, who’s collaborated with Kanye West and is now head of menswear at Louis Vuitton. I’ve started dabbling in fashion, and I definitely respect Virgil’s work. The bomber has the Tin Man on the back and a big block ‘OZ’ on the front. If it goes on sale, get one.”
Travel
“I’m on the road a lot playing in different cities, and I never travel without my journal. It’s not really a diary, but each night, I make time to write down a few thoughts and feelings, to keep track of what’s happening on and off the court and to reflect a little. I’ve made a habit of it; it’s like brushing my teeth. It’s something I just do without thinking.”
Film
“To relax when I’m home in Indiana, I chill with my dogs, Apollo and Zeus, and watch movies. I usually throw on either Home Alone or Home Alone 2, or maybe some old-school Disney, like Mulan. I watch the same three or four movies over and over—all ones I grew up with. Nothing else matters when I watch them; I can just be nostalgic.”
Music
“Basketball takes up most of my time, but I’ve been singing since I was a kid, and music is still a big part of my life. I like some new hip-hop, but I’m more into old-school R&B and soul, like Donny Hathaway. It’s hard to pick a favorite track, but ‘A Song for You’ is a good place to start.”
