How do NBA teams decide which jersey they wear during playoffs?

When it is about NBA players and the NBA team’s decisions about wearing jerseys, there appears to be a widespread misperception that they wear a whole new jersey for each game. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Continue reading to learn about the NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys.

Jersey worn in an NBA game

Before knowing about the NBA team’s decision about wearing jersey, we must have some basic knowledge of the jerseys. NBA teams often rotate various sets of jerseys throughout the season. This allows the players to have a fresh, clean jersey for each game without having to regularly buy new ones. Furthermore, manufacturers use durable materials to make NBA jerseys. They have to withstand the wear and tear of a basketball game. So, you do not need to replace them after each use.

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Basketball Jersey Types

The following are the typical varieties of NBA jerseys you’ll see during a season, along with their official and unofficial names. First, explore these to know about the NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys.

1. Replica NBA jerseys

This is the most basic style of the uniform. Its design and appearance are very similar to those of on-court jerseys. However, it is screen-printed with each team’s wordmark, emblem, and player name. Replica jerseys are among the cheapest basketball clothes made of high-quality fabrics. 

2. Swingman basketball jersey

This is an upgrade to replica jerseys. It more closely resembles the elements of on-court jerseys. Its materials are likewise more performance-oriented. Swingman jerseys can be in both modern NBA and Hardwood Classic versions. They are more expensive than replica uniforms since the material is of higher grade and the design is more complex.

3. Authentic NBA jerseys

This is a true replica of the NBA jerseys that players wear. An authentic NBA jersey features the same fabrics, cuts, trimmings, and aesthetic aspects as on-court apparel. It is more expensive due to the high-quality materials and attention to detail used in its manufacture.

Other Types

To solve the mystery of NBA team’s decision about wearing jersey, we should know all the types of jerseys.

1. Nike Swingman Jersey

Consider Nike Swingman Jerseys to be the whole collection of NBA jerseys, with the other “editions” being a subset of that collection. All Swingman Jerseys are 100% recycled polyester. They are for comfort. They have Nike Dri-FIT to wick away sweat and keep you dry. Furthermore, the heat-sealed logos offer Swingman Jerseys an authentic appearance.

2. Nike Icon Edition Jersey

The Swingman series is well known for its Icon Edition Jerseys. They reflect the NBA team’s most well-known colors and logos. Teams will frequently wear the Icon Edition Jerseys during the season. Furthermore, the lined mesh fabric helps you stay cool until the final buzzer. 

3. Nike Association Edition Jersey

The Association Edition Jerseys feature a white underlay. They have team-inspired emblems, colors, and trim. Players wear Association Edition Jerseys throughout the regular season, just like Icon Edition Jerseys.

3. Nike Statement Edition Jersey

Fans believe that Nike designed the Statement Edition Jerseys as alternative uniforms for major games or rivalry matches. You can customize these jerseys in numerous ways to represent a team.

4. Nike City Edition Jersey

Nike City Edition Jerseys reflect the city or state that your club represents on the court. Teams drew influence from local superstars. For example, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Prince had a ‘Purple Rain’ Jersey. This has become a fan favorite due to its unique design and the connection between the club and the city it represents. 

5. Mitchell & Ness Hardwood Classics Jersey

Mitchell & Ness makes high-quality throwback jerseys. They honor some of the NBA’s greatest players, such as Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett. When the athlete was at his peak, he wore jerseys with traditional emblems, numbers, and lettering.

Keep reading to know about the NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys.

History of jerseys in the NBA

Let us have a look on the history of NBA jerseys before NBA team’s decision about wearing the jersey. People played basketball in a variety of sporting gear. This gear included tracksuits and football uniforms. Players began wearing formal uniforms at the beginning of the twentieth century. The outfit included knee-length padded pants, tights, and shorter pants.

Basketball uniforms have developed over time. Fashion trends have shifted toward shorter pants over time. However, Michael Jordan popularized the long baggy shorts that players wear now. Furthermore, the hip-hop culture encouraged this shift away from short and tight pants.

In 2013, the NBA and its apparel partner, Adidas, attempted to create sleeved jerseys featuring NBA and huge team emblems on the front. However, it was such a controversial move that even LeBron James removed his sleeves during a game in 2015. Now let us move towards the NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys.

Who decides about the color of the jersey in the NBA?

If we question about NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys, then NBC Sports says the league decides which jerseys NBA teams will wear for the whole season, not just tournaments. The league posts the schedule on its Locker Vision website before the season starts.

The jerseys and bottoms of teammates must have the same color, pattern, and style. The sides must wear opposing colors. The host team wears light colors and the visiting team wears dark ones. However, both teams may mutually agree to change this regulation. 

Conclusion

So, we discussed the NBA team’s decision about wearing jerseys and so many other things about NBA uniforms. NBA teams often rotate various sets of jerseys throughout the season. This allows the players to have a fresh, clean jersey for each game without having to regularly buy new ones.