As teams around the league release their new ‘City Edition’ uniforms, it’s safe to say the OKC Thunder did not disappoint.
Last year, OKC Thunder fans were disappointed when presented with the new concept ‘City Edition’ uniforms. These uniforms consisted of a harsh grey color, with misplaced blue and orange slashes above the number.
This year, fans were able to sigh in relief after the release of a much more cultural-based, and intricate designed jersey. The idea of the uniform was to present aspects of Oklahoma’s Native American heritage through the use of complex styles relating to the native tribes of Oklahoma.
Royce Young tweeted out images of the new City Edition jerseys.
The turquoise base represents the native color of friendship along with the 11th anniversary stone (OKC’s 11th season). The uniforms include ‘OKC’ in a flashy geometrical shape on the chest with an intriguing tribal pattern in the background. Not to mention the navy blue waste band full of baby blue diamonds that is meant to resemble a sash.
"When asked about the meaning of these new jerseys, Thunder Senior Vice President, Brian Byrnes said “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”"
Now the only question that remains is- how do these jerseys compare to those of other NBA teams?
As I look through all the released ‘City Edition’ uniforms, only a few can even come close to the new and improved Thunder jersey. Here are the contenders:
The Timberwolves unveiled their new @prince inspired City Edition jerseys today 👀
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) November 1, 2018
(via @Timberwolves) pic.twitter.com/5rYTtSUYSO
Prince inspired Timberwolves jersey
This jersey honors the influential life and legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson who was a major basketball enthusiast. By incorporating hot pink as a secondary color over black, this jersey immediately caught my attention.
‘Miami Vice’ Heat Jersey
No team has marketed a jersey harder than the @MiamiHEAT have marketed their “Vice” jerseys. And it has paid off. Last year’s City Edition outsold all other City Edition jerseys in the NBA COMBINED https://t.co/M4rD8cUQ8i
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 5, 2018
One of the only jerseys that did not change drastically from last season, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Last year, these jerseys were easily the most intriguing due to the baby blue and pink combo, and thus, still has the edge over the Prince inspired T-wolves jersey.
Rocky inspired 76ers jersey
https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1057331300074430465
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For anyone that knows me, I could never pass up on anything Rocky related. I mean, come on, a jersey that incorporates the texture of the gray sweatsuit in which Rocky had some of the most epic training scenes in the city of brotherly love. This is pure genius.
Final Verdict:
After careful consideration, I believe that the order of these four jerseys from best to worst is as followed:
- OKC Thunder
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Now you may be thinking I put the Thunder first because I’m biased, and that may very well be true, but you can’t deny the inevitable. The way that these jerseys are able to show Oklahoma’s history through the use of symbolism and geometrics is absolutely astounding.
Who knows? Maybe this can contribute to some history for the Thunder come the NBA playoffs.