From Anime Sketches to NBA Tunnel Style: The Creative Evolution of Jerami Grant

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant discusses his fashion journey, from sketching anime outfits to mastering the NBA tunnel walk with Margiela and Comme des Garçons.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 8:45 AM EDT

Source: Esquire

A Legacy on the Court and Creativity Off It

Jerami Grant was born into a basketball dynasty. With a father, Harvey, and an uncle, Horace, who both enjoyed successful NBA careers, as well as two brothers who played professionally, Grant’s path to the league seemed almost predestined. Growing up in an environment where 6:00 am workouts were a standard part of life, the expectation to excel was constant. However, Grant maintains that a distinct creative side always existed alongside his athletic drive, a trait that would eventually manifest in his widely celebrated "tunnel fits."

While his professional identity is defined by his defensive versatility and scoring for the Portland Trail Blazers, his personal identity is deeply rooted in art and self-expression. Grant views the transition from the court to the arena tunnel as an opportunity to showcase a different facet of his personality, one that prioritizes emotion and unique cultural touchpoints over traditional athletic aesthetics.

Transformative Analysis: The Intersection of Anime and Avant-Garde

Grant’s entrance into the world of fashion was notably non-traditional, rooted not in magazines but in Japanese animation. As a child, he spent hours watching series such as Inuyasha and Dragon Ball, specifically focusing on the intricate costume designs. He describes sketching characters like Vegeta, captivated by the structure of their breastplates and silhouettes. This early exposure to Japanese visual storytelling laid the foundation for his current affinity for Japanese culture, evidenced by his recent public appearances in traditional kimonos.

This background provides critical context for his preference for designers like Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) and Jonathan Anderson. These creators are known for challenging conventional shapes and proportions, much like the exaggerated styles found in anime. By connecting his childhood sketches to his adult wardrobe, Grant demonstrates a level of intentionality that distinguishes him from athletes who simply follow mainstream luxury trends.