As the NBA and the game of basketball continues to evolve, it’s only right that the league makes sure their looks keep up as well. That was exactly the NBA’s mindset when they inked a uniform and apparel deal with Nike two years ago but it wouldn’t take effect until after the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.
Now that that time is finally here, Nike has been releasing images of their new jerseys all summer long and that continued last night with their ‘Statement Edition’ jerseys. Nike has already ditched typical ‘home’ and ‘away’ uniforms and replaced them with ‘icon’ edition and ‘association’ edition jerseys and now these newest ‘statement’ jerseys will serve as an alternate substitute.
#NIKExNBA making a statement. pic.twitter.com/wYGYBIEpDI
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) September 16, 2017
Nike SNAPPED. Vids on my gram. Hi @Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/zKQ2WPxAuL
— Victoria (@CountOnVic) September 16, 2017
Your first official look at the new #NIKExNBA jerseys! ? pic.twitter.com/Dhcr1le11T
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 16, 2017
All 30 teams had a player representative present at the unveiling, some of them rocking fresh new looks while others had a more similar design to years past. Some of the notable changes are the uniforms for the Thunder, Nuggets, Jazz, and Pacers plus a full-neon look for the Timberwolves, a black sleeveless jersey for the Cavs, Celtics, and Suns, and a vintage all-red look for the 76ers and Blazers.
Though these statement edition jerseys won’t be worn very often by these teams, it’s important for the less-worn jerseys to have a more unique and memorable look to them and these new Nike jerseys certainly do the job.
