Often times overlooked by fans, jerseys are an integral part of a team’s image and popularity. It takes a superstar player and some good marketing to make a piece of fiber recognizable all over the world. Plus it brings in a lot of cash in the coffers. You can ask the Lakers and Bulls about how it’s done.
On a side note, there is no debating that some NBA teams today can upgrade by going back to a classic style. It’s not that their jerseys are bad but just in case they want to boost sales and popularity they should check this out.
1997-2009 Philadelphia 76ers
Now we can admit that if Allen Iverson didn’t rock tattoos, cornrows and the signature headband this jersey style could have been less popular. Nevertheless, “The Answer” is a basketball icon and everything connected with him is highly sought after. This is why the 76ers should reintroduce this jersey style. It is something that the fans, especially the ones from the old days, will always love and respect. As the team is slowly growing to become a threat in the East, its new image will be based mainly on Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. And how do you make them pop up even more on the court? The 1997 -2009 style uniforms. That is the Answer!
1999-2006 – Toronto Raptors
Just like the previous one, this jersey style owns its popularity to a great basketball player. And it happens to be that he has a solid nickname – “Half Man, Half Amazing.” It all started for Vince Carter when he participated in the year 2000 Slam Dunk Contest. The rest is history.
The Toronto Raptors will be eternally thankful to him for two reasons. Number one — he made the new franchise relevant back in the day. Number two — his endless highlight reels will always feature the classic jersey style. Unlike the 1995-1998 uniform, this one has a simple and unique design that Nike can bring back to life. It would sell very well with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry’s names at the back and could be a great tribute for Carter’s upcoming retirement.
1998-2008 – Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are undoubtedly aiming for the top in the West in the next four years or more. They have established their young and crazy-talented core and are as hungry as a beast. However, their rebranding this season didn’t achieve that “wow” factor. As a matter of a fact some of the fans did not enjoy the change.
https://twitter.com/Lt_Buckets/status/895666881213771778
If there is something that management can do to overcome this situation it is to go classic. The timeless design from the Big Thicket Era is what fans would appreciate and invest in. As the team is going to be aiming at the top — sales are expected to grow. What an opportunity to boost revenue by dressing the beast trio Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler in black and green.
2001-2004 – Memphis Grizzlies
There is a special bond between fans and team down in Tennessee. The games in FedEx Forum attract a lot of people from smaller unpopular states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Missouri. And it has been like that for 16 years. As a small market, Memphis is doing great and it’s been hosting a playoff team for 7 seasons in a row. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies' postseason runs and the constant playoff contention took a toll as doubts about their future are starting to rise. It may seem weird but in a time of uncertainty a team should not go with the flow and ignore looks. Because looks do matter. So in order to reconnect with its fan base and say firmly, “We got team history and we are here to stay!” the Grizzlies should go old school. Remade by Nike, the black, white and cyan colorway may not put points on the scoreboard but will put smiles on the faces of loyal fans.
2002-2010 Golden State Warriors
It is rather weird to say there is something wrong with the best organization in the NBA. In a span of four years this team won two championships, broke numerous records and revolutionized the way the game is played. Yet, the Oakland powerhouse has a problem!
It’s jokingly called “the bandwagon fan accusation.” But it’s real, especially on social media where censorship is not mandatory. So is there a possible way the management can address the issue without embarrassing themselves for openly acknowledging it?
A great move would be reintroducing the 2002-2010 uniforms. They represent the times of the “We Believe Team” which was an epic story back in the day. Also it reminds us of the laying of the foundations of today’s super team. As for the modern designs – they are OK. But loyal fans deserve a bit more. Maybe a “Thank you!” in a form of a classic jersey would do the trick.
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