The supply of NBA jerseys has grown significantly in recent years thanks to the fact that teams are always looking to update their kits.
The teams have sought different colors and shades for their home and away kits, which has allowed fans to have a certain nostalgia when reminiscing about the shirts they saw years ago.
Something that invites you to wonder, what are the best jerseys in NBA history?
As the NBA celebrates its third #NBAJerseyDay this December 14, 2022, here is the top 10 classic jerseys in league history.
1. Philadelphia 76ers – 1997-2009
After years without a black kit, the 2020-2021 Sixers City Edition brought that look back, paying tribute to the kit of the early 2000s. Ben Simmons helped design the new kits, drawing inspiration from the black era. Allen Iverson indeed. “I took it upon myself to bring the black jersey back,” the Australian told ESPN last year.
In the specific case of this shirt, it was the one that The Answer wore when he lifted the trophy that accredited him as MVP in 2001, only adding more nostalgia to the equation.
2. Orlando Magic – 1989-1998
Magic jerseys have been disappointing in recent years despite having some of the best from the ’90s like these. With vertical stripes taking center stage, it’s impossible to forget Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway leading the team to their first Finals, whether in white, blue or black.
3. Chicago Bulls – 1978-1985
Although the Bulls never won a championship, these jerseys maintain their iconic status, while also symbolizing the start of the Michael Jordan era in 1984.
Has anyone ever looked as good in this T-shirt and two gold pendants as MJ did in the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest? I do not think so.
Happy Birthday, Michael Jordan: 1985 @NBA Slam Dunk portrait, Feb. 9, 1985, Market Square Arena, Indianapolis pic.twitter.com/dCBAMrTAvh
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 17, 2016
They released a revamped version this year, just as a temporary alternative, but we’d like to see it permanently.
Cleanest City Edition jerseys in the league, if we do say so ourselves. pic.twitter.com/YSXceIp0mi
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 28, 2021
4. Toronto Raptors – (1995-2000)
The Raptors brought back the dinosaur edition in 2019-20 to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary, so they should do it again.
At the time there were many jokes about design by drawing, but time has placed the kit in a privileged position among fans.
5. Phoenix Suns – (1991-2000)
We need to see Devin Booker score 40 points in this jersey.
End of speech.
6. Golden State Warriors – (1998-1997)
Over the years we’ve seen Californians bring back the jerseys of the We Believe era, but it’s time to do so with the Run TMC period. Steph Curry scoring from the logo at the Chase Center in one of these kits would be the ultimate.
7. Detroit Pistons – (1996-2001)
Detroit has used to sporting the Motor City concept on their jerseys over the years, but nothing beats those Grant Hill-era kits. These designs were fantastic with the red and white fire, but the blue version was the best.
8. Atlanta Hawks – (1995-1999)
The ’90s-era patterned jerseys deserve a separate chapter, but this one in particular is hands down the best the Hawks have ever had.
Atlanta redesigned this kit for this year’s City Edition, but just like the Bulls’, they need to be made permanent.
The ultimate tribute to the ????️. #Forever404
Our Nike 21-22 NBA City Edition jersey is available now: https://t.co/eRn2uCMlrJ pic.twitter.com/Sxl9smxqeG
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 15, 2021
9. San Antonio Spurs – (1973-1989)
Spurs have always gone in the opposite direction from the rest with their City Edition in recent years, focusing more on their Fiesta colours. The simplicity of the George Gervin-era kits would give them an unbeatable retro feel.
10. Miami Heat – (1988-1999)
The Miami Heat have had some of the best alternate jerseys in recent years with their Vice City versions, but the 1995-1996 one in red is one of the best of all time.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
