For many fans of the NBA and those who are Nike enthusiasts, the moment we have been waiting for is among us. When news of the two working together again made headlines in 2015 there was an uproar of joy and anticipation for the 2017-18 season. Today the folks at Nike have given us a slight glimpse into what we can expect come October when the NBA season kicks off.
Detailing four primary uniforms that athletes will wear for their respective team throughout the season, there will be 8 teams sporting what is being dubbed a ‘Classic’ edition. The aforementioned primary uniforms are being called ‘The Association’ and ‘The Icon’ editions. Basically home and away. As you will learn in the press release provided by Nike, the uniforms for the 2017-2018 season are being revamped and better suited for the athletes.
Per Nike;
Informed by more than 25 years of research on all levels of basketball and insight from current NBA players, the uniform is built on a refined version of the Nike Aeroswift basketball chassis.
Nike tuned the uniform design to the rigors of the league’s increasingly intense 82-game season by employing 3D-body maps of players, including heat and sweat maps. This research led Nike’s designers to make significant changes to the weight, fit and construction of the uniforms — paying special attention to enabling agility.
NBA players, including members of last summer’s gold medal-winning USA Basketball team, tested early versions of the uniforms and provided specific feedback that prompted Nike to further evolve the designs in ways that included moving the armhole, neck and side seams to eliminate distractions for athletes.
“The mental advantage of a quality uniform is priceless,” says Kyrie Irving. “The fact that Nike listened to all of our feedback while developing the new NBA uniforms speaks volumes. I’m excited for the new fit and feel.”
The most significant change comes to the back shoulder of the uniform where Nike designers altered the construction for a vastly improved fit. Additionally, the hemlines on the bottom of both the jersey and shorts were modified to allow for full range of motion.“When you look and feel good, you play good,” says Draymond Green. “I welcome any competitive advantage on the court and the new Nike NBA uniforms deliver on the feedback that we’ve provided.”
The uniform is comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester (each athlete uniform represents approximately 20 recycled PET bottles). Not only does this yarn blend match Nike’s broad commitment to sustainability, it also removes moisture more quickly than previous NBA uniforms, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms.
A NEW NAMING CONVENTION FOR NBA UNIFORMS
Coinciding with the introduction of the new uniforms, the NBA is eliminating its “Home” and “Road” uniform designations. Beginning with the 2017-18 season, home teams will pick which of their uniforms will be worn at all home games and visiting teams will choose a contrasting uniform within their own assortment.
Because of this change, Nike and the NBA worked together to create four core uniforms for each team, classified as “editions,” which draw from the rich heritage of the NBA and its respective franchises.
