NBA Jerseys: Which NBA teams have classic uniforms for the 2023-24 season?
The sporting goods giant has once again taken the decision to produce classic edition looks for present-day teams. Here’s a look at what Nike has to offer.
NBA basketball is back and following an offseason in which there was tons of free-agent movement, it appears we’re in for an epic season. With that in mind, we can now also look forward to the league’s teams taking on a vintage look.
Nike launches Classic Edition uniforms once again
It’s been an incredible ride since the Nuggets were crowned champions of the NBA earlier this year. Indeed, we’ve seen some of the highest-profile players in the league on the move - think Damian Lillard - and we’ve also seen the advent of new markets and the in-season tournament. Yet, it would be a mistake to think that the NBA is only about the future. That’s precisely why the league’s partnership with Nike has once again provided us with some eye-catching vintage edition jerseys of some of the league’s teams.
This of course isn’t the first time that the Oregon-based outfit has bestowed classic looks on NBA fans - they began to do so after taking over the league’s apparel in 2017 - but it definitely marks a moment in which the anticipation is higher than ever. To be clear, each edition is a nod to iconic jerseys from the NBA’s past and will feature Nike’s branding on the shoulder, with the exception of the Charlotte Hornets’ which will feature Michael Jordan’s Jumpman logo. So, with no further ado, let’s take a look at the lineup.
Orlando Magic
While it may be hard to believe for some, it’s already been 35 years since the Orlando Magic debuted in the NBA as an expansion team. At the time, the Florida-based franchise contracted the help of a local agency to build a team image around the concept of stars and pinstripes. These were the times of Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, a period that was marked by their now-famous electric blue home look which was bolstered by the silver scores of their away jerseys. Quite frankly, it’s been a long journey since the days of the dazzle fabric which was popularized by WNBA athletes at the time. Today, the pinstripes of O’Neal and Hardaway’s era have been moved to the side paneling which makes it all the more nostalgic to see young stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner wearing the look today. This after all is the team that gave us the infamous ‘Sublimated Stars’ prior to the 1999 lockout-shortened season.
Charlotte Hornets
Designed by North Carolina native Alexander Julian, Charlotte’s teal tanks were a first for NBA uniforms and quite frankly, were intended to stand apart from the more typical team colors of the time. To that end, it should come as no surprise that the Hornets were the first team to feature pinstripes in the league. Since those early days in the 80s, the team has gone on to add side paneling to the tops and bottoms while highlighting purple to a greater degree. It’s worth noting that Julian’s decisions were very much tied to the presence of former owner, Tar Heel legend, and arguably the GOAT of the NBA, Michael Jordan.
Utah Jazz
When it comes to iconic looks, there is perhaps none more recognizable than that of the Utah Jazz. Now celebrating 50 years of history, the Jazz have taken the decision to take things right back to their very first look, one that is synonymous with the legendary “Pistol” Pete Maravich. As you can imagine, much has happened since the franchise moved to Utah in 1979, however, one thing that remains constant is the organization’s willingness to pay tribute to the past. If we’re honest, the Jazz have been one of the boldest of any of the teams in the league when it comes to changing their look, as evidenced by the team shifting from neon to black. This year’s edition will be the first time that the team returns to the original font that was utilized in its very first season in New Orleans.
Minnesota Timberwolves
When the Timberwolves began their foray into the NBA back in 1989, many weren’t sure what to expect with the Lakers having previously played in ‘The Land of 10,000 Lakes.’ Yet, the likes of Isaiah Rider, Christian Laettner, and Kevin Garnett quickly changed that. Of course, there was also the look. In those early days, the team played in royal blue and bright green uniforms. On the other hand, each of the seasons in which they did so was a losing one which led to the team making changes. Today, the T-wolves are most definitely contenders. With the likes of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, they are undoubtedly one of the best young cores in the NBA today. That’s precisely why the Classic Edition home jersey looks to be one of the best looks of the season with its embracing of the past while showcasing the present and future.