9 NBA Jerseys From the 90's That Need To Be Resurrected Permanently
|
March 24, 2015
|
#behindthearc
|
|
|
By Chris Ternate
|
 Share  Tweet Email
|
Many people consider the 90's a golden era for the NBA. While icons Magic Johnson and Larry Bird may have elevated the game to new heights in the 80's, they were still around in the early 90's for the passing of the torch to Michael Jordan. It also allowed us to witness the formation of The Dream Team, the great team ever assembled in sports, among which the trinity of Bird, Magic and Jordan were apart of. What might be the most memorable highlight of the 90's though, were the flamboyant and over-the-top jerseys many teams sported. Bold lettering, vibrant colors and unique patterns made the players sporting them even more recognizable. After all, what's a superhero without his signature costume?
Here are nine jerseys from the 1990's that need to reappear on the hardwood and not just for one night, but permanently...
1. The Vancouver Grizzlies (1995 - 2000)
The bold block font covered in claw marks, the tribal print along neck and armholes and a menacing grizzly bear on the shorts? How can you not love this uniform? It looked like it jumped straight off the pages of a comic book? The team ditched this particular look when it jumped ship to Memphis, but swap out "Vancouver" for "Memphis" and let the good times roll.
2. The Indiana Pacers (1985 - 1990)
Just barely making the cut, this classic was the first Indiana Pacers jersey that Reggie Miller wore during his rookie season and would stick around for the first three years of his legendary tenure with the team. The royal blue cut across by the racing stripe "Pacers" across the chest, this one embodied Miller's game, quick, precise and silky smooth.3. The New Jersey Nets "Tie-Dye" (1990 - 1991)
These made a very brief appearance, but were notable for being worn by Croatian legend, Drazen Petrovic. The Nets always favored the red, white and blue color scheme, which dated back to their ABA days, however, this particular uni utilized a tie-dye effect that looked like the sky on a perfect Spring day in New Jersey. Not everyone loved this one, but come on, the minimalist black and white uniforms the Brooklyn Nets currently rock could use an injection of color.
4. The Utah Jazz (1996 - 2004)
While the legendary duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton were in town, they sported these sweet purple jerseys. Rather than pay homage to their New Orleans jazz roots, the uniform instead embraced their rocky mountain home, with a cold, icy mountain peak sprawled across the front of the uniform. The bold purple and snowy rigid, mountain top reflected the Jazz's game then: ice cold and nearly unbreakable.
5. The Seattle Supersonics (1985 - 1995)
This one holds particular significance for most 90's basketball fans and especially amongst those in the Seattle area. Prior to having their team ripped from their city and relocated to Oklahoma City, Seattle's Supersonics enjoyed success in the 90's. Led by lockdown defender and point guard "The Glove," Gary Payton as well as the physical force that was Shawn Kemp, the Sonics were elite in the Western Conference back then and their jerseys reflected that. They weren't flashy, but the white and yellow arch stood out on the green and really established them as the other green team in the NBA not located in Boston.
6. The Detroit Pistons (1995 - 2001)
Paying homage to the Motor City's roots, this iteration of the Detroit Pistons' jersey was full of horsepower. Coincidentally, it also had a blazing horse on it and an 'S' which extended out into an exhaust with flames shooting out of it. Couple that with the teal, black and yellow and you've got a pretty badass uniform. In fact, it kind of resembled Hill's brief career in Detroit, fast and loud, but like a car, fickle and out of commission in an instant.
7. The Cleveland Cavaliers (1994 - 1997)
Sure, it may look like one of those Solo cups from the 90's, but the simple black and light blue really has a cool modern look by today's standards. The orange lines running through the letters and numbers gave it a bit of pop, but really played into the subtle, clean design. A humble design for a then-very humble team.
8. The Philadelphia 76ers (1991 - 1994)
While it looks like more of a Team USA Olympic uniform, this Philadelphia 76ers uniform pays tribute to the city's patriotic roots. The sweeping logo that leaves behind a trail of red, white and blue stars? It's so radical, you can't help but love it.
9. The Denver Nuggets (1985 - 1993)
Truly one of the more unique uniforms in all of sports, The Denver Nuggets's rainbow uniforms were a lot on the eyes, but it just kind of works. Rainbows, the city skyline, a mountain range in the back and a very groovy font all grace a single uniform. The Mile-High City takes the cake with this eccentric but timeless classic.
BONUS: The Orlando Magic (1989 - 1998)
You can't have a 90's NBA uniform list without the quintessential 90's NBA uniform. The white pinstripes on the black uniform with a very subtle star replacing the 'A' in Orlando to honor the "Magic" name, this one takes the cake. It doesn't make the official list though, since it's always making an appearance on a throwback night. While they try to honor this classic with the team's modern jersey, this one still wins.
What do you think though? Did we miss out on one of your favorites? Let us know!
Share Tweet
|
|
|
