Welcome back to NBA247365.COM’s countdown of the top 20 NBA uniforms of all-time! Numbers 20-16 as well as 15-11 have been posted already, so read about those (if you haven’t already) before moving on to the top 10.
#10: Baltimore Bullets (c. 1970s)*
Red, white, and blue, while patriotic, has got to be the most overused color scheme in the history of professional sports. That being said, the striped Bullets jerseys of the 1970s were exceptionally unique. Lots of teams have incorporated pinstripes, and some have tried other types of vertical striping… but wide, horizontal bands of color? That style is exclusive to Wes Unseld’s Baltimore Bullets, who won the title in ’78.
That’s not to mention the way the doubles Ls mimic a pair of hands reaching for a rebound, or the stars running down each side of the shorts. Everything about this uniform was new, different, and exciting, and its classic status is cemented by the fact that it’s still a relevant style today (as you know, the Wizards’ current unis were inspired by these).
Note: please excuse the modern photograph. I wanted to use a shot that included Jerry Stackhouse, ’cause his name was on the back of my throwback. Somewhere, there’s a picture of a much younger me rocking his number 42 with the matching fitted at the 4th of July parade.
#9: Atlanta Hawks (1982-1992)*
Equally synonymous with Dominique Wilkins and southern hip hop videos, this classic style has made its presence felt both on and off the court. Considering the degree of flash associated with this uniform, Hawks basketball, and the ATL in general, it’s fitting that three dunk champions earned the title sporting this look (Wilkins, Webb, and Josh Smith, who retroed it for his windmill in ’05). As for its cultural significance, Nike pretty much released a shoe for the sole purpose of matching this Hawks jersey. Said shoe will now run you approximately 200 bucks.
Oh, and let us not forget that one of the illest logos of all-time, the “Pac Man” Hawk, was featured on the shorts. That did a lot for the bottom half of this uniform.
#8: New York Knicks (1968-79, 1983-now)**
With the exception of a four-year stint in the early 1980s, the Knicks have been rocking a uniform that’s remained pretty much the same since the latter part of the ’60s. From Clyde to Pat to Houston to Spree, it’s been orange lettering, blue trim, and a touch of black. This color combination, which no other city has ever utilized (to my knowledge), is as unique to New York as the pyramids are to Egypt. As miserable as recent Knickerbocker history has been, their longstanding look remains one of the most recognizable in professional sports.
When Isiah Thomas can’t ruin it, you know it’s a classic.
#7: Toronto Raptors (1995-1999)**
We all remember the big, screen printed, cartoon logos of the ’90s. Some remember them more fondly than others, but nevertheless, we all remember them. The “Dino” Raptors uniform was, in my opinion, the defining style of this time period. The colors were awesome, the logo was more awesome, and the pinstripes looked like barbed wire. Although it only lasted about as long as the days of VC and T-Mac, no one’s forgotten that the Raptors used to actually have a red Raptor on their shirt.
#6: Atlanta Hawks (1970-1972)***
Somehow, the Hawks managed to provide young Pete Maravich with an outfit as unique as his game. The league gave an assist, too, allowing Maravich to go by “Pistol” on an official, back-of-the-jersey basis. For some reason, the blue and lime only lasted two seasons… but at least it happened.
Note: as a kid, back when wearing Mitchell & Ness practically made you god, I had this one. I’ve yet to allow another human being within 10 feet of my laundry since my mom destroyed that jersey in the washing machine.
*Denotes a personal favorite.
**Denotes an iconic uniform.
***Denotes a “player-made” style.
