Eastern
Conference
All
30 NBA teams will be sporting “City Edition” uniforms for the 2018-19 campaign
which began at the start of this weekend. For some teams, their alternate
uniforms are an updated version from a season ago, while other squads updated
their looks completely to pay homage to their city or a very important
symbolization of it.
To
celebrate their 50th season in the “ATL,” the Atlanta Hawks (3-10)
paid homage to the place they called home for five decades by designing their
“City Edition” uniforms in a combination of black-and-gold apparel, which they
debut in a 124-109 loss versus the Detroit Pistons (6-6). They also will have a
50th Anniversary black-and-gold floor at State Farm Arena.
In
keeping up with their storied tradition, the Boston Celtics “City Edition”
Uniforms were inspired by the team’s warm-up jackets of former Celtics greats
from Hall of Famers and multiple time champions Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Robert
Parish, Larry Bird and legendary head coach, and executive Red Auerbach.
The
city name “BOSTON” that has been used on their away uniforms in the 1940s will
be in green, white and gold color combination on the front chest plate as well
as Nike+Connect that will give fans the chance to tap into exclusive unlocks
and NBA highlights. The date in which the C’s will debut these uniforms has not
been disclosed.
The
Brooklyn Nets will honor the cultural diversity and a music icon with their
“City Edition” jerseys later this season.
The
multi-colored pattern, dubbed by the team “Brooklyn Camo” on the outside part
of the jersey and shorts represents the cultural diversity in terms of race,
religion, and ethnicity in this borough of New York. The new unis also pay
homage to Brooklyn icon and music game changer Christopher “Biggie Smalls”
Wallace. The team plans on wearing these uniforms 16 times this season. The
date when the team will debut their “City Edition” unis has not been announced.
The
Charlotte Hornets will continue with their “Buzz City” look that they sported
for the “City Edition” uniforms a season ago, which will make their debut on
Monday, Nov. 19 versus the Boston Celtics and will be dawned for nine other
homes games this season at Spectrum Center versus the Los Angeles Lakers on
Dec. 15; the back-to-back defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors on Feb.
25, and seven road games.
The
unis will once again feature the “Buzz City” phrase on the chest plate of the
jersey, with the words being in the color teal, with black and teal outlines.
The team’s sharp color palette is drawn from the contributions to the history
of the state of North Carolina’s aircraft flight. The players name on the back
of the jersey will be entirely in teal as opposed to black with a white outline
last season. The sides and back of the player’s jersey and shorts will have a
gray pattern designed as representation of the wings of the hornet. The jersey
will also include the phrase “City of Flight” also in teal above the jock tag
at the bottom left. The letter “H” will be displayed on the player’s waistband
of their shorts surrounded by wings very similar to those sported on the
original Nike Air Jordan Land II kicks. The secondary logo of the team of a
teal Hornets exposing its stinger will appear on the side of the shorts completely
in teal, while a flap will appear adjacent on each side of the logo with the
one on the right leg concealing a hidden “CHA.”
“The
City Edition uniform is inspired by our fans and their passion that transforms
Charlotte into Buzz City,” Hornets President and Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield
said at the start of this month. “It represents the civic pride that our
organization has for our city and the dedication that our community has for the
Hornets. The contrast of the solemn black and vibrant teal evokes the menacing
intensity of a hornet and the swarming nature we want opponents to fell when
they visit Spectrum Center. We are excited to see the new design worn on the
court by our players and in the stands by our fans.”
On
those nights the “City Uniforms” are worn by the Hornets on the floor,
according to NBA.com, the game presentation will focus on the city and its fans
with a unique intro video as well as other special content.
The
“Windy City’s” four-star flag was the inspiration behind the Chicago Bulls
“City Edition” look for this season as the jersey is in black red stars on the
chest plate of the jersey, with sky blue lines on the outside of it. The team
nickname “Bulls” featured on the front of the waistband with two sky blue lines
circling both sides of the waistband. The players jersey number in the color of
red on the just to the left on the jersey. The Nike insignia as well as the
team sponsor “Zenni” on the right and left top respectably on the jersey. “Sweet
Home” is included on the shorts and on the base of the jersey.
The
Bulls debut their “City Edition” jerseys in a 99-98 win versus the struggling
Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The
Cleveland Cavaliers turned back the clock to 1994 with their “City Edition”
unis, back to their original colors of orange and blue. These are the colors
they dawned when they first returned to downtown Cleveland, OH after many years
playing in Richfield at the old coliseum.
The
Cavs also channeled the natural power of Lake Erie and the script “Cleveland”
on the chest plate of the jersey mimics the city’s sign that welcomes all
visitors to the lake.
The
color scheme of the jersey will be one half orange and the bottom half in blue,
with the city name “Cleveland” in all white on the chest plate, with the
players jersey number on the front and back, and the player’s last name on the
back in all white. The Nike insignia and the symbol, a shoe with a wing of the
team’s sponsor Goodyear in white on the left and right top of the jersey
respectably.
“There’s
power in this lake. There’s strength in this city. All for the land” the Cavs
said via Twitter @cavs in an introductory video introducing their “City
Edition” unis.
The
Detroit Pistons will continue sporting their “Motor City” look that has been a
part of their uniform mix for the past few seasons with some differences to
their “City Edition” unis for this season.
While
the term “Motor City,” representing the automotive culture of Detroit will
remain on the chest plate of the jersey, the anthracite gray color scheme and
double, hand stitched vertical stripes are in representation of Detroit’s iron
and steel buildings that were forged by a distinctive work ethic.
The
updated uniforms which has a black based color along with gray accents and
embellishments will be accompanied by special-edition warm-up apparel.
The
uniforms will be worn five games at Little Caesars Arena, beginning on Nov. 23
when the Pistons host the Houston Rockets and for 13 road games, starting with
the team’s Dec. 5 date at their Central Division rival the Milwaukee Bucks.
Speed
was the focus for the “City Edition” uniforms of the Indiana Pacers, whose
jerseys will feature the team’s nickname “PACERS” in all capital letters on the
front to the “ALWAYS LEAD” text tucked into the left hip of the uniform.
“It
kind of represents Indiana as a whole,” All-Star guard Victor Oladipo said
after trying on the jersey for the first time at the start of this month.
“We’re a very subtle state, but when it’s time to get on and poppin’, it’s time
to get poppin.”
The
Pacers “City Edition” unis were originally designed to evoke speed but this update
to the traditional uniform is the reimagination to the team’s classic yellow
marks, while also pulling details from the Flo-Jo jerseys that honor in
legendary sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner.
The
original Flo-Jo unis came in two versions-one with white as the dominate color
and the other in midnight blue. The Pacers donned these jerseys from 1990-97
where they made six playoff appearances, which include two Eastern Conference
Finals appearances in 1994 and 1998, where they lost to the New York Knicks and
the Chicago Bulls both in seven games.
The
“City Edition” uniforms come in gray with diagonal midnight blue and gold
stripes that break from the uniforms solid gray color.
“I
think fans will like them because they’re different,” Oladipo said what he
thinks fans will react to the team’s “City Uniforms.” “I think they’ll like the
colorway too. The gray with the blue lining on the side.”
The
“City Edition” unis will also feature a nod to the Pacers’
#WeGrowBasektballHere ethos as the ray lines on the team’s alternate gold
Statement unis will appear on both the shorts and siding of the city unis.
Those
ray lines break through the text “ALWAYS LEAD,” that will be tucked into the
shorts of the city unis during game day.
The
blending of “ALWAYS LEAD” and #WeGrowBasketballHere are the state of Indiana’s
commitment to lead the way for future hoopsters at all corners of the state,
even as the game becomes a more global passion.
The
Pacers will dawn their “City Edition” unis 12 times this season, including
seven times at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, beginning on Nov. 17 versus the Atlanta
Hawks.
The
Miami Heat will pay tribute to the history of their city and their team during
the 1980s with their “City Edition” uniforms during “Vice Nights” this season.
It
is continuation of their white “Vice” uniform look from last season, which was
one of the more popular “City Edition” uniforms during the 2017-18 campaign as
they paid tribute to the television show “Miami Vice.”
The
hot pink and blue recall color pattern is a recollection of the neon signage
throughout South Beach, which is the melting pot of the Latin American culture.
The
new look silhouette from the 1988 colored in laser light fuchsia and blue gale
in black jerseys and shorts was rolled out in a promotion video that featured
the voice of Phil Collins playing in the background while several Heat players
showering in the new unis. The “MH” logo on the waistband of the shorts was
remade to represent a more modern flavor.
The
Heat will dawn it “Vice Nights” look on a newly designed court of American
Airlines Arena 15 times this season, which began on Friday night in their
110-102 loss versus the Pacers.
In
paying homage to the “MECCA” era, which represented their most successful runs
in franchise history, the Milwaukee Bucks will be dawning a tasteful combo of gold,
blue, green, and red for their “City Edition” uniforms for 2018-19.
For
those unfamiliar with the “MECCA” era, it is the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW) Panther Arena where the Bucks played from 1977 to the
1987-88 season before moving over the BMO Harris Bradley Center and now Fiserv
Forum.
Last
season, the Bucks played one game at the formerly known “MECCA” on Oct. 26,
2017 against the Celtics.
The
jersey will be in the colors of red on the top right, bright yellow on the left
and goldish at the bottom of the jersey. The team’s nickname “BUCKS” will be in
all-caps green on the left with the players jersey number in all green on the
right. There will be a capital “M” on the waistband of the shorts with blue and
green trimming on the bottom of the legs. The city name in all yellow caps on
the blue part of the right leg. The Nike insignia will be on the top right of
the jersey in yellow with the team’s sponsor Harley Davidson in its symbolic
form on the top left of the jersey.
The
Bucks will wear their “City Edition” unis 12 times this season, beginning on
Nov. 19 versus the Denver Nuggets.
The
boys from the “Big Apple” will pay homage to the past, present, and future with
their “City Edition” unis.
The
blue-and-orange checkered print uniforms the team had for a nine-year period in
the 1950s will also pay homage to the unity and diversity of NYC. The other new
part to the Knicks “City Edition” unis is the NYK basketball logo on the
waistband of the shorts.
“The
City Edition uniforms represents the unity and diversity of our city,” the team
said in a statement earlier this month. “The iconic symbolizes our ambitions
and shared dreams. The blue and orange piping pays homage to the 1952-61 Knicks
uniform. The first Knicks uniform worn with a non-arched New York wordmark.”
The
Knicks (4-10) debut their “City Edition” uniforms in a 115-89 loss versus the
Orlando Magic (6-7) on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. The team did not
announce how many more games they will play in their “City Edition” unis for
this season.
Being
a dreamer and presenting a more shimmery look was the inspiration behind the
“City Edition” uniforms for the Orlando Magic for 2018-19.
The
jerseys according to the Magic will feature a more shimmery look of stars
across a dark skyline and more of a black tone as opposed to the blue and black
look from a season ago.
The
team stated in a press release that the “City Edition” unis will break from the
team’s pinstripe tradition for a “unique take on the Magic name.”
The
Magic also said that the unis will maintain the iconic symbol of a basketball
on the chest plate with ream of stars behind it. The side panels of the jersey
will have a galaxy-filled side. The team’s logo across the chest plate will
have a chrome and metallic sheen.
That
the “City Edition” uniforms will debut on Nov. 14 when the team host the
Philadelphia 76ers and will wear them on other dates throughout the season.
Speaking
of the Sixers, their 2018-19 “City Edition” unis in partnership with their
jersey patch sponsor “Stubhub” celebrates Philadelphia, PA’s rich history of
the challenger’s mentality that was the inspiration of the “Rocky” and “Creed”
movie franchises.
“We
are excited to unveil this City Edition uniform, which pays tribute to the
heart, determination, and tenacity of our city and fan base,” 76ers President
of Business Operations Chris Heck said. “In partnership with Stubhub and MGM
[Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures], we developed a concept that speaks to the
mentality that has defined our city for generations. It’s a nod to a city with
a fighter’s toughness and mentality, a mentality that our team and players
embody every time they take the floor. As stewards of the 76ers brand, we have
an obligation to honor Philadelphia and celebrate new Philadelphia. We are
proud to wear this uniform and represent the City of Brotherly Love.”
The
circle of 13 stars is derived from the boxing ring where Rocky Balboa, played
by Sylvester Stallone first squared off against Apollo Creed, played by Carl
Weathers in “Rocky I.” The influence behind the gray sweat suit-textured base
came from both Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan and Rocky’s legendary
training scenes throughout the streets of the “City of Brotherly Love.”
The
stars also are meant to resemble parchment paper, a nod to the Declaration of
Independence, while the red, white, and blue color scheme on the collar of the
jersey and the sleeves to the “Join or Die” ultimatum on the shorts, as well as
the championship belt of Stallone’s famous character.
The
phrase “PHILADELPHIA, USA” embroidered on the lower left hem of the jersey is a
nod to the fans of the city and their heart and determination.
The
Sixers (8-6) debut their “City Edition” jerseys on Friday night in a thrilling
133-132 overtime win versus the Charlotte Hornets (7-6). The team will wear the
“City Edition” unis at all “Spirit of 76” Friday home games as well as all
April 2019 home games.
“Creed
II” staring Stallone and Jordan hits movie theaters everywhere on Wednesday,
Nov. 21.
Continuing
a tradition that began last season, the Toronto Raptors will continue their OVO-themed
home games and their uniforms representing their mantra that began in the
playoffs a few seasons back, “We the North.”
The
Chevron print on the chest of the jersey, which is traditionally pointed down
has been reversed to point up this season as a reflection of the Raptors
position as the northernmost team in “The Association.”
The
team showed their appreciation to the fans of their city by having a Maple leaf
on the waistband of their “City Edition” shorts to symbolize the fandom for all
of Canada.
The
Raptors “City Edition” Uniforms are very similar to last seasons which
coincided with home games that featured a black and gold home court. The “City
Edition” jerseys this season will be in white with black and gold color scheme
mixed in.
The
Raptors did not specify when the team will begin sporting their “City Edition”
unis and how many times they will be wearing their OVO uniforms in 2018-19.
Along
with the announcement with their “City Edition” jerseys for the 2018-19 season
on Nov. 2, the Washington Wizards revealed their new jersey sponsor, the
insurance company Geico.
The
Wizards “City Edition” jerseys were designed in tribute to the most iconic part
of our nation’s capital at night-the National Mall.
Last
season, the Wizards’ “City Edition” uni silhouette was in White with “The
District of Columbia” on the chest plate of the jersey in blue with the second
“I” doted with a basketball. This season’s “City Edition” uniforms silhouette
will be in black.
Along
with the black silhouette of the Washington Monument in up the side of the
jersey and shorts, the District of Columbia flag is featured on the belt of the
shorts.
The
side panels of the jersey are in white are meant to evoke the look and texture
of the famous Washington Monument while the belt of the shorts will represent
the flag of the District of Columbia.
Instead
of the team’s nickname “Wizards” on the chest plate of the jersey, “The
district of Columbia” like last season will be on it with the Nike insignia and
the jersey sponsor Geico on the left and right upper part of the jersey
respectably in white with the player’s jersey number in the middle also in
white.
The
Wizards plan to wear their “City Edition” unis 19 times this season, with their
first appearance on Nov. 16 against the Brooklyn Nets.
Western
Conference
“True
Maverick” theme was the focus of the “City Edition” jerseys for 2018-19 for the
Dallas Mavericks, which was meant to represent the rebirth of the 2011 NBA
champions around a revamped roster that features stellar rookie swingman Luka
Doncic.
The
“City Edition” uniforms are also a modern-day facelift paying homage to the “Big
D,” that consists of memories of cowboy boots and Country Western movies while
showing appreciation to the city’s budding technology sector and entrepreneurial
spirit
According
to Mavs.com, the definition of “A True Maverick” is described as a genuine,
unorthodox, independent-minded person. They are authentic, eccentric, free
spirits who are fearless and selfless. They are out-of-the-box thinkers with an
original Lone Star swagger. Rooted deep in Dallas heritage, a True Maverick is
bold, with an unrelenting passion for the game, uniquely genuine and
progressive, just like the city they belong to. A True Maverick gives back to
the community. They put others before themselves and strive to leave everything
better than they found it. We are, True Mavericks.
The
Nike Swoosh insignia on the left chest of the jersey represents “True Grit.”
The jersey sponsor insignia “5 Miles” on the right upper part of the jersey
represents “True Alliance.” The Big-D short vent in True Teal represents “True
Dedication.” The DAL call letters on the knee of the shorts represents “True
Community.” The M highlighted in True Teal in the Horsehead logo represents
“True MFFL.” The famed Dallas skyline placed above the jock tag of the jersey
represents “True Passion.” The Championship Tag in representation of the
previously mentioned 2011 Mavericks title on the back nape represents “True
Competitor.”
The
Teal accents also underscore the oversized Mavericks logo on the chest plate of
the jersey as well as its graphics. A single star located inside the right flap
of the shorts pays honor to the state nickname “Maverick.”
The
Mavericks (4-8) debut their 2018-19 “City Edition” uniforms in a 111-96 win
versus the Oklahoma City Thunder (7-5) at American Airlines Center on Saturday
night. They will sport these unis nine more times this season.
The
Denver Nuggets turned back the clock to the stretch from 1981-82 to 1992-93 for
their “City Edition” unis that were famous for the “rainbow skyline,” which
became popular by the squads led by Alex English, Lafayette “Fat” Lever and
other Nuggets icons from the early 1980s.
According
to Nuggets.com, the original logo, which was designed in 1974 was created by
fans where Carl Scheer in advanced of the 1981-82 NBA campaign created a fan
contest where anyone could enter and the winner would be decided by the staff
of the organization.
Scheer’s
logo became the front runner that featured the Denver skyline set against the
Rocky Mountains which included a rainbow in the background which became known
as the “Rainbow Skyline,” which the classic uniforms were derived from.
What
made this design standout amongst the rest was it represented the vibrance and
growth that occurred in Denver, CO in the 1980s.
The
colorful logo seemed became a big hit with the team as they made the playoffs
from 1982-90.
The
updated version for the “City Edition” unis, that will be marking a quarter
century since the design was originally retired as the Nuggets main uniforms is
in honor of the original with some modernization to fit the “Mile High” City’s
advancement, evolution, and modernization of the present era.
Also
included in the background of the famed design in this season’s “City Edition” jersey
is a group of elevation lines through the logo, which was the inspiration of
topological maps.
“The
Nuggets knocked it out of the park by bringing back the Rainbow Skyline look
they sported from 1981 to 1993. These are beautiful, and the black trim, and
lettering combine for a perfect, balancing touch,” Uggetti said of the fourth
best “City Edition” uniform look for 2018-19. “They should be the permanent
uniform.”
The
last time the Nuggets dawned these famous and popular uniforms was for the
jersey retirement ceremony of Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo on Oct. 29, 2016, a
115-113 overtime loss versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
The
Nuggets will don their 2018-19 “City Edition” unis seven times this season
beginning on Nov. 13 versus Houston Rockets.
Last
season’s Western Conference Finalists in the back-to-back defending NBA
champion Golden State Warriors and the West runner Houston Rockets pay homage
to Chinese culture in their 2018-19 “City Edition” uniforms.
The
Warriors “City Edition” uniforms bridged their home with the rich Chinese
culture of San Francisco, CA. Nike reimagined the Warriors’ home court into an
original Chinese coin on the chest plate and the shorts of the uniform.
The
crimson red of the Rockets’ “City Edition” jersey pays homage to the
traditional Chinese formalwear, where the color represents both good fortune
and success. The team’s nickname and the number “19” appear on the chest plate
of the jersey in Chinese characters in anticipation of the forthcoming season.
No
date has been announced on when both the Warriors and Rockets will debut their
“City Edition” unis.
The
Los Angeles Clippers with their “City Edition” jersey pay homage to a very
important event that took place in the city of LA 34 years ago.
For
the first time in franchise history, “LA” in their name as it will be featured
on their jersey, which is inspired by the 1984 Olympic Games “Stars in Motion”
logo. It is also the year the Clippers moved to the “City of Angels” from San
Diego, CA.
The
five red stars on both sides of the jersey represent the five Olympic Rings and
the three-star logo from that historic event. The voice of the team for four
decades Ralph Lawler, who will retire at season’s end has his signature
stitched into the bottom left corner of the jersey.
The
first of six games the Clippers (7-5) will wear their “City Edition” uniforms
took place on Saturday night in a thrilling 128-126 overtime win versus the hot
Milwaukee Bucks (10-3).
LA’s
most famed team had a “Magic” touch to their 2018-19 “City Edition” uniforms as
President of Basketball Operations, Hall of Famer and five-time champion Earvin
“Magic” Johnson lent his skills to the design.
The
2018-19 Lakers “City Edition” jerseys are a part of the Lore Series in honor of
the famed MJ. Very deep within the jersey are all-over pinstripe graphics
“3X5XShowtime” that celebrate “Magic’s” three league MVPs and five titles he
help lead the “Showtime” era Lakers to in nine appearances in the 1980s.
In
the middle of the waistband of the shorts is “Magic’s” No. 32 jersey number in
black and gold, with the capital “M” in the background. Deep within another
part of the shorts is the word “Believe,” and in another part is “Magic 32.”
“Through
his electrifying playmaking and personality, ‘Magic’ Johnson exemplified what
it meant to be a Laker during the ‘Showtime’ era,” the Lakers said in a
statement on their website on Nov. 8.
A
date has not been selected for when the Lakers will debut their “City Edition”
uniforms.
The
Memphis Grizzlies (7-4) paid homage to the traditions of music, wrestling, and
basketball of their city for their 2018-19 “City Edition” unis, that made the
first of six appearances this season in their 112-106 overtime win versus the
76ers on Saturday night.
The
dubbed “Main Event” unis represent, according to Memphis.com a revival of a beloved
intersection of Memphis sports and entertainment from the hallowed halls of
Ellis Auditorium, the Mid-South Coliseum, Saturday mornings on WMC TV to the
bright lights of the Grizzlies’ home court of FedEXForum where entertainers as
athletes of the past from their heels, faces and kings alike that have for
generations made Memphis, TN a hub for true entertainment.
“The
sweet spot where sports & entertainment meet. Whether on a mat, in a studio
or up & down the hardwood, we go against the grain and celebrate our
culturally unique style, flair, and an appreciation for a comeback story,” the
team also said on their website about what their “City Edition” uniforms
represent.
The
Minnesota Timberwolves inspiration for their 2018-19 “City Edition” uniforms
was the iconic of musician, songwriter, record producer, filmmaker, and high
school basketball great Prince Rogers Nelson, best known as Prince.
The
T’Wolves worked with Prince’s estate to create the uniform that incorporated a
number of references to his legacy from the font- which paid homage to the
height of his powers in the 1980s, to the color that really exemplified his
persona purple.
Along
with collaborating on the “City Edition” unis with Prince’s Estate, the
T’Wolves will also recognize and donate to non-profit organizations that will
advance causes that really were important to the music icon and that are
actively involved in the continuation of his legacy.
It
will include on the court check presentations to these organizations at five
home games where the “City Edition” uniforms will be worn starting on Friday,
Nov. 16 at Target Center versus the Portland Trail Blazers. The team will also
wear these uniforms three times on the road at the Lakers on Jan. 24; at the Nuggets
on Mar. 12 and at the Utah Jazz two days later.
“From
a young age, Prince enjoyed basketball-as a player and a fan. From his days
playing at Bryant Junior High School and Central High in South Minneapolis,
through countless pick-up games while on the road with bandmates around the
world, he enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the game,” representatives
of Prince’s family said in a statement.
According
to the story of the release of the team’s “City Edition” uniforms at the start
of this month, the left vent of the jersey bears a paisley leaf that is in
tribute to Prince’s creative sanctuary-Paisley Park. The right shoulder pattern
honors the iconic jacket the legendary musician wore when he performed his most
iconic song “Purple Rain.” The “MPLS” on the left leg of the shorts is a symbol
for the Minneapolis Sound which Prince ushered in during the late 1970s. The
Timberwolves partial logos will be in the color tonal purple-the regal color
most closely associated with Prince is on the right leg of the shorts and on
the belt buckle.
“When
you see a Prince-inspired jersey, it’s hard not to put the Wolves at the top of
this list and call it a day,” Paolo Uggetti of “The Ringer” said of the No. 3
ranked best “City Edition” jerseys for 2018-19.
“It
all works, from the font, to the colors, to the pattern along with right
shoulder area inspired by Prince’s outfit from when he performed “Purple Rain.”
It’s a near-perfect jersey. I’m gonna regret not putting it at No. 1, aren’t
you.?”
There
are few cities in the United States of America that have as much color and
personality than New Orleans, LA, also known as “The Big Easy.” The New Orleans
Pelicans plan to capture all of that and then some with their “City Edition”
jerseys.
Several
aspects of the culture of the city will be displayed in these unis from the
Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold that will be featured on the chest
plate of the jersey, the neckline and down the sides of the shorts.
The
team’s “Fleur-De-Lis” logo will also be featured in the colors purple, green,
and gold on the sides of the shorts. There will be a flap on the bottom of the
legs of the shorts that will display a hidden “Comedy Tragedy” Madi Gras mask.
The
date when the Pelicans plan to don these jerseys for a home game at Smoothie
King Center has not been disclosed.
The
Oklahoma City Thunder “City Edition” jerseys will honor the state’s Native
American heritage.
“More
than just a uniform, this is a statement of our pride in the Native American
culture that is so rich and vibrant in the fabric of Oklahoma,” Thunder Senior
Vice President Brian Byrnes said.
“We
are honored to have worked with Nike to develop a design that in so many ways
captures and celebrates the influence of our state’s Native American communities.”
The
uniform color is turquoise, which is in representation of the 11th
anniversary stone and the native’s color for friendship, as well as the team’s
11th season in Oklahoma City, OK.
The
“OKC” on the front of the chest plate of the jersey is also in homage to the
Four Corners, all shapes pointing inward to gather at OKC, with the design
elements also inspired by the traditional Native regalia.
The
belt pattern on the shorts of the uniform is from a traditional Native American
sash and is a representation of various individual communities expanding
outward, pointing towards, and blending one another.
The
Thunder is slated to wear the “City Edition” uniforms at least six times at
Chesapeake Energy Arena this season starting with their Wednesday night, Nov.
14 tilt versus the Knicks.
The
Phoenix Suns over the past few seasons have paid homage to the city’s Hispanic
heritage by having “Los Suns” on their jerseys during the month of March. They
will continue that with their “City Edition” uniforms for this season.
The
purple, black, orange color scheme palette is inspired by the dusk in the
Arizona desert with “Los Suns” across the chest and “Somos PHX” above the back
tag at the bottom of the jersey. No date for when the Suns will debut this
jersey has been disclosed.
The
Portland Trail Blazers shouted out the Pacific Northwest with their 2018-19 “City
Edition” uniforms.
A
combination of their primary red and black colors with a special edition
gray-on-black color blocking scheme that represents the dark skies when it
rains in the city.
The
phrase “Rip City,” which is in red lower-case letters on the chest plate of the
jersey was a term coined by Bill Schonely in their inaugural season in 1970 and
has grown to represent the spirit of not just the city, but the fans and
culture of Portland, OR.
The
iconic jersey sash with red across the chest is a nod to the city’s roses,
while the “Blazermania” embroidering at the bottom left of the jersey is an
endearing term that describes the unique fandemonium of “Rip City.”
The
uniform also has in a section of the shorts the season when the Trail Blazers
began in 1970.
The
PDX nickname on the waistband is a tribute to Portland, OR. The Trail Blazers
debut their “City Edition” jerseys in a 100-94 win versus the Celtics (7-6) on
Sunday night versus the Boston Celtics at Moda Center.
In
keeping with the color scheme that has been a part of their franchise since
moving to the capital city of California in 1985 to present day, the Sacramento
Kings “City Edition” uniform look that started last season is all about one
look.
The
Kings will continue with a “Sactown” look, that will be splashed across the
chest plate of the player’s jerseys in a color scheme of baby blue and red,
which is different from the lion ball logo that was on the 2017-18 “City
Edition” jerseys.
Along
with the uniforms, the Kings will have a “City Edition” inspired court at
Golden 1 Center that will feature a “Sactown” baby blue hardwood court that
will utilize for select Kings home games.
Over
the years the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs have paid homage to the
brave men and women of the armed service, especially those that are from their
city.
They
will continue that tradition with their “City Edition” unis that will have a
silver-and-black color blend consisting of an operational camouflage pattern
with the franchise’s Spur insignia printed across the chest plate.
Last
season, the “City Edition” unis of the Utah Jazz centered around a sunset, Red
Rock-inspired gradient, which also was the color scheme behind a redesigned
court at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The
team returns that same scheme with their “City Edition” uniforms this season as
they pay homage to the majestic rock formation and natural landmarks of Salt
Lake City, UT.
Information,
statistics, and quotations are courtesy of www.espn.com/nba/standings;
11/1/18 www.nba.com/timberwolves/news
story, “Timberwolves Unveil Prince-Inspired City Edition Uniforms;” 11/1/18 www.nba.com/thunder/news story, “Thunder
Unveils New Turquoise Uniform Honoring Oklahoma’s Native American Heritage;”
11/8/18 www.nba.com/lakers story “Showtime
Inspired City Jerseys;” 11/9/18 www.nba.com
story, “City Edition Uniforms: Teams League-Wide Unveil New Looks for 2018-19;”
11/9/18 www.nba.com story, “City Edition
Uniforms: Eastern and Western Conference Teams in 2018-19;” 11/9/18 www.theringer.com story, “Every NBA ‘City Edition’
Jersey Should Draw Inspiration from a Pop-Culture Icon,” by Paolo Uggetti; https://news.nike.com/news/nba-city-edition-uniforms-2018-19;
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician);
https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-unveil-2018-19-city-edition-uniforms;
https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-unveil-new-look-nike-city-edition-motor-city-uniforms;
https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/city-edition-uniforms-tell-story-speed;
https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/team-unveils-new-city-edition-uniform-inspired-by-rocky-creed-films;
https://www.nba.com/wizards/district;
https://www.mavs.com/city; https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/denver-nuggets-city-edition-jerseys-110118;
https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/main-event#intor-top;
and https://www.nba.com/blazers/uniform.
