NBA throwback jerseys are popular among fans, evoking a sense of nostalgia among longtime supporters of a particular team and paying homage to the past while looking toward the future.
Some uniform designs are certified classics, from the Phoenix Suns' sunburst jerseys from the early 1990s and the Utah Jazz's iconic mountain jerseys at the tail end of the 20th century.
This year, four teams across the league unveiled their throwback jerseys for the 2023-24 NBA season - officially referred to as Classic Edition Uniforms by the league's official uniform and apparel provider, Nike, which took over in the 2017-18 season.
Unlike their original versions, the contemporary renditions of the uniforms showcase the Nike Sportswear logo, except for the Hornets' jerseys, which feature the Air Jordan logo, a nod to their minority owner Michael Jordan.
Besides the Hornets, all the throwbacks display the company's old logo with the Futura wordmark, which was phased out as the brand's primary logo in 1995 but continues to be used on merchandise.
That said, here are the rankings for the 2023-24 Nike NBA Classic Edition Uniforms.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves will don these sleek uniforms to celebrate their 35th anniversary as a franchise.
The team previously sported the design from its inception in 1989 until 1996, and they will bring it back for 25 games in the upcoming season.
In addition to the uniforms, the Timberwolves also revealed a matching vintage court design that will be utilized, featuring the team's original logo.
2. Utah Jazz
The Jazz are commemorating their 50th NBA season by rocking the road uniforms worn during the franchise's inaugural season in New Orleans during the 1974-75 season. The team will also play in a special and new court design alongside these uniforms, which will be a nod to their 50 years of existence as a franchise. The uniform and court are set to debut during their season opener on October 25 against the Sacramento Kings.
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3. Charlotte Hornets
The 2023-24 Classic Edition Hornets jersey features a teal color with multi-colored double pinstripes and is inspired by the second-generation Hornets uniforms from 1997-98 to 2001-02. The jersey, consistent with other current Hornets uniforms, displays the Nike Jordan Brand logo on the right side of the chest, representing their affiliation with the team's minority owner, Michael Jordan. The Hornets, also celebrating their 35th anniversary as a franchise, are anticipated to rock the Classic Edition uniforms for eight home games this season.
4. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are set to celebrate their 35th season with a nostalgic nod to one of their popular uniforms, worn from 1998-99 to 2002-03. The design was worn by several stars, most notably by Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, and an out-of-prime Patrick Ewing. Doc Rivers mentored them during his first head coaching gig. The Magic also unveiled a classic throwback court design they will use while rocking the throwback uniforms.
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