NBA Nike Statement Jersey Awards

Nate B
3 min readSep 22, 2017

Nike released last week that the NBA will sport new “Statement” uniforms during the 2017–2018 season. Some are fresh, some are confusing, and some are down-right bad.

Image via Nike

Worst Jerseys

Although there wasn’t one clear cut disastrous uniform, there were a couple that left you wanting more or was a slight head scratcher.

New York Knicks: The Knicks jerseys aren’t horrible, but they do seem a little too simple. I understand they were going for a throw back look so the concept isn’t lost on me. But I would have liked to see something a little more creativity along the lines of image on the left below.

Adidas Concept Design // Image via New York Knicks

Toronto Raptors: To be honest, I don’t really see a huge difference between the statement jersey and their regular home/away jerseys. I think Nike could have taken a risk and maybe played with the old logo with an updated background design.

Image via Nike

Biggest Upgrades

Indiana Pacers: Although very simple, the full redesign of the Pacers uniform is complete. The Nike Statement uniforms are similar to the ones below except all yellow with navy blue lettering. Indiana needed something different design wise, as they have basically reconstructed their 90’s look multiple times. Also, going with the circular Hoosiers theme layout should play well for their local fans.

Image via Indiana Pacers

Cleveland Cavaliers: From “Cleveland” to “Cavs” to now finally the trademark “C” that the Cavaliers have been sporting on their jerseys since 2003. To be honest, I just like that there isn’t a three syllable word on the front anymore.

Image via Nike

Best Overall

Minnesota Timberwolves: I love their new design for the jerseys this year, but Nike outdid themselves with neon again. It’t not hard to imagine youngsters running around with Anthony-Towns or Wiggins statement jerseys in the next year.

Image via Nike
Image via NBA.com

Oklahoma City Thunder: The rich get richer when it comes to design and the Thunder. They have undergone multiple redesigns in recent years ever since moving from Seattle. The Thunder sported an alternate orange “OKC” jersey in the 2015/16 season and has tried numerous other combinations. The Nike Statement jersey is one of the better ones. Simple, sleek, and a dark navy to make the light blue and orange pop…well played.

Image via NBA

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