The NBA Christmas Day slate is always a gift, but the presence of a certain tradition has been missing from the holiday season in recent years: Christmas jerseys. The once-beloved festive looks that adorned the court have been noticeably absent since Nike took over the NBA’s uniform contract from Adidas in 2017. Despite the absence of these iconic jerseys, Nike has introduced a variety of uniform combinations with its four jersey editions: Association, Icon, City, and Statement. Let’s delve into the evolution of NBA Christmas jerseys and bid farewell to the cherished holiday ensembles.
It all began with a white snowflake adorning the logo on the front of teams’ jerseys. The league made a conscious effort to feature teams with primarily red and green colors, solidifying the holiday spirit on the 65th anniversary of Christmas Day NBA games. While the large, centered logo was intended to be the focal point of these jerseys, it was ultimately the sleeves that captured most of the attention. Despite the uniforms being 26% lighter than the traditional NBA jersey, players voiced concerns about the extra fabric affecting their shooting. The addition of T-shirt jerseys during the All-Star Game also received mixed reviews on NBA Twitter, with even legendary player Dirk Nowitzki expressing his disapproval.
As the tradition continued to evolve, the NBA introduced a new design inspired by greeting cards. The jerseys featured seasonal script with cursive lettering, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. This design quickly became the favorite among fans, with its festive font returning for a second and final year. However, as Nike took control of the uniform contract from Adidas, the Christmas jerseys became a thing of the past, leaving fans and players yearning for the return of these beloved holiday ensembles.
Even LeBron James, who has played on Christmas for the 17th consecutive season, voiced his disappointment at the absence of Christmas jerseys. Despite his plea, Nike remained firm in its decision and stated that they are satisfied with the current variety of uniform combinations. The storytelling capabilities of their existing jersey editions, including Association, Icon, City, and Statement, were deemed sufficient. While Nike may have moved on from the tradition, the longing for the festive looks continues to be felt across the basketball world.
As we bid adieu to the era of NBA Christmas jerseys, we must cherish the memories they have left behind. From the first monochromatic designs with an emphasis on the sleeves to the beloved greeting card-inspired jerseys, each iteration brought its own charm and uniqueness to the holiday season. For now, we must join the players and fans in reliving the fond memories of these festive ensembles through photographs and videos, as the holiday looks remain consigned to the NBA’s storied past.
The absence of NBA Christmas jerseys in recent years has left a void in the hearts of fans and players alike. Nike’s decision to discontinue this tradition has been met with disappointment, as these jerseys held a special place within the basketball community. However, as we look back on the evolution of NBA Christmas jerseys, we must appreciate the memories they created and bid farewell to the cherished holiday ensembles.
Leave a Reply