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To much fanfare, the Swoosh is back in the NBA.
The expectations of a Nike x NBA collaboration has been in the cards for sometime now as it was announced in June 2015 that Nike would be the Official court wear of the NBA beginning in the 2017–2018 season.
While the Swoosh has been a centerpiece around the Association for years, on court apparel has been Adidas since the 2006–2007 season.
Nike did have a stint once before when the teamed up with Starter and Champion in the throughout the 1990s.
With new technology and Nike as the supplier, there seems to be some excitement around the league from fans as well as the players.
When the 2017–18 season kicks off, it will be the beginning of an eight-year partnership between the two sides.
What’s in the jersey?
These jerseys were not just thrown together. Nike has done 25 years of technology research with all different levels of basketball circles, according to the press release.
Besides the players on Team USA last summer, it will be the first time sliding on the Nike jersey with this technology at the pro level.
In the Nike press release, Cleveland Cavaliers PG and Nike athlete Kyrie Irving had this to say.
“The mental advantage of a quality uniform is priceless. The fact that Nike listened to all of our feedback while developing the new NBA uniforms speaks volumes. I’m excited for the new fit and feel.”
One thing is for sure, it is widely known how much say Nike allows their star athletes to have in the design of each of their signature kicks.
Draymond Green, Warriors PF, appreciates the jersey for more than just what it provides on the court saying,
“When you look and feel good, you play good. I welcome any competitive advantage on the court and the new Nike NBA uniforms deliver on the feedback that we’ve provided.”
Major changes?
The majority of talks around NBA circles have been that with the jersey switch from Adidas to Nike, the classic “Home” and “Road” uniforms.
With the change instead of those two options, Nike and the NBA have collaborated to create four main uniforms for each team to choose from.
The Association Edition will be the traditional home white uniform for the 30 teams.
According to Nike this jersey, “links them as members of the most exclusive basketball club in the world. It represents an achievement that most athletes have worked their entire lives to reach.”
The Icon Edition, will represent what we have grown to know as the road uniform.
“The Icon Edition represents the rich heritage and iconic identity that exists within each franchise. This edition utilizes the team’s primary color, a color that dominates the closets of the most diehard fans,” according to Nike.
Outside of these two main jerseys, “The Athletes Mindset” and “The Community” will be released later this fall.
Their will be some unique parts of the new deal where the Charlotte Hornets jerseys will actually rep Jumpman as their owner Michael Jordan is a partner with Nike through Air Jordan.
Along with that, Nike says, “Eight NBA teams will have a Classic Edition uniform that will be available in the fall. The Classic Edition celebrates some of the most iconic uniforms in league history and can be worn at each team’s discretion.”
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