Image via Complex Original
Throwback jerseys are always fun to see when your team decides to pull them out of the closet and put them back on the court. And the NBA has a colorful tradition of jerseys that has spawned some of the most unique uniforms in all of sports. Take for instance, the Denver Nuggets' iconic rainbow jerseys. Or what about the Los Angeles Lakers with their unforgettable purple and golds?
Every so often, we'll see a team tap into their own archives and dig up some of the uniforms that fans once loved and continue to love today. Recently, the Toronto Raptors announced that they would be the latest team to follow this trend, as the franchise has decided to revisit their classic '90s jerseys during the 2014-15 season. It got us thinking: what are the NBA Jerseys We Want to See the League Bring Back? So, we put together a gallery with all the uniforms we'd like to give another chance. Take a look for yourself, see what you think, and then share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments section below.
Fit For a King
Team: Cincinnati Royals
Seasons worn: 1957-1972
You may recognize the formatting of these uniforms from the Oklahoma City Thunder's alternate jerseys. However, we have to side with the Cincinnati Royals' original take on this style, as the red, white, and blue color scheme beautifully complements the straight up and down lettering.
The Royals, of course, eventually migrated to Sacramento and became the Kings, so we have to ask: any chance they're looking to don some new-old threads? That purple and black look is played out.
Flo-Jos
Team: Indiana Pacers
Seasons worn: 1990-1997
Designed by Olympic track star Florence Griffith Joyner, the Indiana Pacers jerseys of the '90s (known as the Flo-Jos), became the most iconic uniform of Reggie Miller's superstar career. Typically, the Pacers are never too exciting with their outfits, but this tri-color, diagonal blocking is a stroke of inspired genius that would do well today among the hypebeasts.
The Teal Appeal
Team: Detroit Pistons
Seasons worn: 1996-2001
Detroit's teal jerseys have caught a lot of grief over the years, but it's time to dust off these old classics, and let them see the light of day for a new audience. With the Pistons amidst their worst slump in years, why wouldn't you try and take some attention off of the actual team's performance?
Stars and Stripes
Team: New York/New Jersey Nets
Seasons worn: 1972-1981, 1984-1990
If Dr. J was wearing it, then you know it's iconic. While we love the Brooklyn Nets jerseys of today, we also wouldn't be opposed to seeing the Nets give these uniforms another go every once and awhile. Or maybe they could do the stars and stripes pattern in black-and-white? There are dope possibilities aplenty here.
Pistol's Gear
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Seasons worn: 1970-1972
What is the exact appeal of the Hawks' old '70s road uniforms? Maybe it's because these jerseys look like nothing else that Atlanta has ever donned. Maybe it's because Pistol Pete Maravich rocked them. Whatever the case, we're fans, and want to see Atlanta run them back.
Black Magic
Team: Orlando Magic
Seasons worn: 1989-1998
Shaq and Penny Hardaway in the black pinstripes, playing for the Orlando Magic, is a defining image for the '90s, as the two young superstars were both trend-setters and playmakers in the league. Today, the Magic have a similar jersey, but it has been updated and modernized for the worse. If they dressed down the lettering again, and added that star back into the team name, then they'll be headed in the right direction.
Sea of Green
Team: Seattle SuperSonics
Seasons worn: 1995-2001
Obviously, it could be awhile before we ever see these jerseys again, but who knows? Maybe Seattle will get a franchise sooner than we think. In the case that such a miracle occurs, Seattle should opt to re-open their doors with their hunter green unis. They were a slight revision to the classic jerseys the franchise had been wearing for years (and would eventually return to), but they proved that change can indeed be a good thing.
Stings Like a Bee, But Looks Even Better
Team: Charlotte Hornets
Seasons worn: 1988-2002
Hopefully, we'll be seeing these jerseys again very soon when the Charlotte Bobcats change their name to the Hornets for the 2014-15 season. We already know that they'll be using the same color scheme as the original franchise, but will they also literally follow suit? We'll keep our fingers crossed.
Pros Era
Team: Memphis Pros (ABA)
Seasons worn: 1970-1972
Aside from the fact that "Pros" is a great team name, the NBA should look to bring these jerseys back because of the '70s style retro lettering, and the general simplicity of the uniforms. Much like their name, the Pros' jerseys are nothing overcomplicated. Compared to some of the ensembles you see teams rock today, a Pros jersey would be a nice change of pace.
Fine Feathers
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Seasons worn: 1982-1992
If you're looking for an example of '80s style done well, look no further than the Atlanta Hawks uniforms of the day. They shun the pastels and over-bearing aesthetics that shaped most of the decade's fashion, instead going for a more organized, classic look. Which is exactly why the league should bring these jerseys back: they're timeless.
Striking Gold
Team: Denver Nuggets
Seasons worn: 1976-1977
These old Denver Nuggets uniforms only lasted for a year, but it's hard to say why. The rainbow skyline jerseys will always get love from the Nuggets fan base. Indeed, there was so much of affection for those particular unis, that the team wore an updated version of the jersey in select games last season. Now, it's time to do the same with the 1976-1977 edition of the team's apparel. Bring the pick axe back.
Blast Off
Team: Houston Rockets
Seasons worn: 1995-2003
Some will scoff at these old Houston Rockets jerseys and call them gaudy. The cartoonish rocket, along with the deep blue and bright red are just too much for them to look at. However, we believe that these touches, along with its metallic silver accents, tell us all systems go.
Sun's Out
Team: Phoenix Suns
Seasons worn: 1992-2001
Phoenix's latest jerseys come off as an attempt to bridge the team's 2000's jerseys with their '90s uniforms. We say: out with the new, and back in with the old.
Fear the Bear
Team: Vancouver Grizzlies
Seasons worn: 1995-2001
Out of context or hanging on a store rack, the old Vancouver Grizzlies uniform may seem like a lot to handle. Like, that aqua color? Bold, to say the least. But, as you'll see in the picture above, when the jersey is on the court, it's nearly-perfect. Who wouldn't want to see their squad decked out and looking like Greg Anthony and company?
Purple Haze
Team: Utah Jazz
Seasons worn: 1996-2004
It's a wonder that Utah hasn't pulled the trigger on revitalizing these unis. If they want to play like the Karl Malone and John Stockton-era Jazz, then they should at least look like them. Plus, these jerseys have yet to go out of style. The mountains are so rich and vivid, they're practically an ad for the state of Utah themselves.
