Before the start of the NBA season, the league announced a new uniform partnership with Nike. The newly designed Nike uniforms aren’t bad, but most fans agree, they’re very average in terms of style and “wow” factor. While most teams didn’t go through a major uniform overhaul even with the Nike switch, a New Jersey-based designer named Brian Begley thought they should, and did all the work for the 30 NBA teams. Begley designed multiple uniform concepts, and quite frankly, teams should just scrap what they have and go with Begley’s designs instead.
They are outstanding! In addition to his designs, we have also included some comments from the artist. Without further delay, here are awesome new uniform designs for all 30 NBA teams. Let’s take a look!
Atlanta Hawks
Brian: “I had to go back to the color way of times of Spud Webb & Dominique Wilkins. My all black alternate was inspired by the early 70’s Hawks.” This design blends the perfect mix of old school meets new school. We love the new looks, but the old school style on the far right is still our favorite.
Boston Celtics
Brian: “They don’t require much change, but an alternate set of vintage uniforms would be awesome!” Brian is right, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The Celtics current uniforms are great. We wouldn’t change much. One thing that’s worth noting, the Celtics have won 17 championships, one more title would give them 18 (the number on the jersey).
Brooklyn Nets
Brian: “Although they’re not in NJ anymore, the Nets will always be MY team. Here are some more uniform concepts that I designed. Hey @nike & @brooklynnets what’s good?!” We feel bad for Brian, and anyone else who considers themselves a Nets fan. Over the past eight seasons, the Nets have an embarrassing 230 wins and 426 losses. That’s an average of 28 wins per season. Ouch!
Charlotte Hornets
Brian didn’t have any comments for his redesigned Hornets uniforms, but we do! The two uniforms on the right are by far the best. If you’re a fan of new school, the all black design is very sleek. If you’re more of an old school guy, the jersey on the far right brings back fond memories of the mid 90’s when a young Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning teamed up to form one of the best front-courts in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls
Not a huge fan of the all red jersey in the middle, but the black and red jersey to the right is a great combo. The jersey on the far right is similar to the look Jordan sported in the 80’s when he was putting up video-game numbers and looking up huge endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, Hanes, Wheaties — just to name a few.
Cleveland Cavaliers
How cool is the jersey on the far right?! Based on fan reaction, you either love it, or you hate it. We’re definitely in the “love it” camp. But Cleveland fans won’t care what jerseys the Cavs are wearing next season, if LeBron decides to leave town (again). Only time will tell…
Denver Nuggets
Brian hit a home run with this one! His amazing redesign of the Denver Nuggets uniforms are the perfect blend of old and new design elements. The black and blue design on the far right is one of our favorites on the entire list. It would be a shame if Nike doesn’t take this design into serious consideration.
Detroit Pistons
Brian: “These first 3 uni’s are how I see the history of the traditional Pistons uniform in modern day. The “Motor City,” is taken from the layout of the first 50’s Pistons uniform. Go check that out! And the last white with red and blue stripe is inspired by the warm up jackets worn by players like, Laimbeer, Thomas, Rodman! These uniforms BLEED Detroit Pistons history!”
Golden State Warriors
These uniforms are legit! The first 3 are similar to their current look (just a little more sleek) but the other 2 are awesome. The all black uniform gives them an intimidating look to match their high powered offense. The uni on the far right brings back memories of the Run TMC days with Hardaway, Mullin, and Richmond. In a recent interview, one former NBA superstar (cough… cough… Dennis Rodman) actually said the Run TMC trio was better than the Warriors current trio. Apparently Rodman is still as crazy as he was during his playing days.
Toronto Raptors
Personally, I like all five designs, but I’m always going to be partial to the all purple. It reminds me of Vince Carter’s ridiculous performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest. It’s crazy to think that Carter and McGrady were once on the same team!
Houston Rockets
Brian: “Some new uniform concepts for the Houston Rockets. Like a handful of my concepts, I also designed a new logo. I always loved the Rockets red/yellow colorway, so I used that on the 3 main uni’s. My black, “Clutch City,” uni is a mash-up of 3 of their previous uniform designs. And finally, that 90’s Rockets awesomeness that NEEDS to make a comeback!!” The jersey on the far right brings back memories of Olajuwon embarrassing opponents with his patented “Dream Shake” during their mid 90’s championship runs.
Indiana Pacers
Brian: “Here are some more NBA/Nike uniform concepts for the Indiana Pacers. On top of the awesome FloJo uni, the all black uni was inspired by the, Hickory Pacers. The middle three are an upgraded and modernized version of their 80’s uniform.” The uniform on the far left brings back memories of Reggie Miller and Spike Lee screaming at each other at Madison Square Garden in the 90’s.
Los Angeles Lakers
They might have Lonzo Ball, but according to most fans, they’re still Kobe’s team. Or at least that’s what Brian seems to think… “Strongly considered putting Kobe’s logo on there instead of the Nike logo!” These are pretty average, we were expect a little more. But that’s not an insult, Brian set the bar very high.
Memphis Grizzlies
Brian: “I incorporated some classic Grizzlies art (that I LOVE) with some current Memphis colors. I also had to throw in a mash-up of a throwback!” … I can’t make up my mind on whether or not I like the jersey on the far right. But I will say, the old school Vancouver Grizzlies look (far left) is awesome! Too bad those uniforms were wasted on players like Bryant Reeves and Cherokee Parks! Don’t feel too bad if neither of those names sound familiar, they weren’t very memorable players.
Miami Heat
Brian: “Only making minor tweaks again to the home, away & alternate, I brought back the infamous, “Miami Floridians,” uniform and my all black alternate is a, “Vice Nights,” design! 👀 ” … Uniform on the far left is very different from the others, and most on this list. Not a huge fan of the “Vice Nights” design, nothing about that represents “Heat”.