NBA Power Rankings: The 50 Worst Uniforms in League History

I've been trained under the theory that the best dressed are often the best performers. To look good is to feel good. Or for the kids out there confused over proper grammar, "swag leads to wins."

This is applicable all through life. A prime example of such is the NBA, where the best-dressed are often the championship contenders. Just ask Kobe and Rondo how those legendary threads feel on them.

Unfortunately, there are more than a handful of teams who just didn't get that memo. Instead, they've put together some of the most overwhelmingly hideous uniforms in the history of sports.

For evidence of such a claim, here are 50 teams who exceeded every negative expectation in uniform etiquette.

50. Houston Rockets (Road, 1971-72)

This one can be forgiven, a bit, as it was the 1970s. After all, it's Cleveland who revisited this eye-buster in 2012.

Nevertheless, this jersey must be acknowledged as what it is: demoralizing to any who wears it. It's a mix of dark red and bright yellow, combining prestige with visual pain.

Fortunately, the Rockets turned it around and...well, you'll see how poorly they did such a thing.

49. Milwaukee Bucks (Alternate, 1996-97)

Come on, people, these jerseys really aren't that bad. Key word: "that."

The Milwaukee Bucks tried to be creative and they succeeded. Unfortunately, creativity does not always breed success. It's amazing that Ray Allen was able to tolerate those jerseys for so long...

48. Cleveland Cavaliers (Road, Current)

As teams move forward into the new-age era of jerseys, the Cleveland Cavaliers have taken one major step backwards. Their youth movement is hindered by these old-school, maroon-and-mustard jerseys.

Did LeBron really matter that much?

47. Charlotte Bobcats (Home, 2004-09)

In terms of look and design, this is a pretty nice jersey. All white is always classy when the proper color scheme is involved atop of it. The Bobcats made that work with this uniform.

Unfortunately, they also gave themselves a look that is far more fitting to this year's team. By that, of course, I mean that they don't look like an NBA franchise. They look like a team out of the D-League.

46. Cleveland Cavaliers (Road, 1987-89)

Sorry, Cavaliers fans, but this is just a little cheesy. The ball over the V-formed basketball hoop, the hardly-evident orange and even the far-too-plain jersey itself. It's all a bit underwhelming.

Thankfully, the Cavaliers had a short period of time with more favorable uniforms.

45. Utah Jazz (Road, 2006-10)

The Utah Jazz had two jerseys that demanded respect. Then they revealed this.

How they could mess a solid color scheme up is beyond conventional wisdom. Putting the same color on a jersey multiple times doesn't seem too difficult, yet it's done quite often.

I was raised by the phrase, "you win some and you lose some." Here's evidence of such.

44. Charlotte Bobcats (Road, 2008-09)

If you thought their D-League look was bad, you haven't seen their orange jerseys. I say you haven't seen them because the Bobcats are so unfamiliar with television time that they could wear absolutely nothing and get away with it.

Nevertheless, these jerseys are a crime. I'm a huge fan of orange jerseys, but the brightness hurts your eyes as much as the Bobcats' play hurts your basketball IQ.

43. Seattle SuperSonics (Home, 1995-2001)

Die-hard Sonics fans will argue this, and even some of the non-Sonic NBA fans. I just can't come to terms with how this uniform was viewed as passable when the Oregon Ducks are so heavily criticized for their nearly identical attire.

Minus the dark and "serious" red, that is. 

42. 2008 All-Star Game (Western Conference)

I really don't know what the NBA was trying to accomplish with the John Wayne text or the change in color from front to back, but they succeeded in grabbing attention. For the wrong reasons.

It doesn't look pleasant from the front, it looks decent from the back, and on the sides are what appeared to be sparkles and stripes. What the...

41. Milwaukee Bucks (Alternate, Current)

The Milwaukee Bucks' white jerseys are nice and the green jerseys are fitting. The red jerseys, on the other hand, are downright confusing, disappointing and awkward to look at.

For a team that has a decent history with home and away uniforms, the alternate jersey has never seemed to treat Milwaukee too kindly. This is yet another example of their troubles.

40. Washington Wizards (Road, Current)

The retro look is often a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, the Wizards took a step back to the 1990s, when jerseys were as painful to watch as this year's Washington team itself.

The only question here, however, is whether their jerseys or their play is more embarrassing.

39. Charlotte Bobcats (NASCAR Alternative, 2007-08)

I give the Charlotte Bobcats props for attempting to placate their local NASCAR fans. I also give them placement on this list for failing to do so with any sense of style.

It's hard for me to imagine that the people whose job it is to create these jerseys found it impossible to think of a better idea. I'll give them an A for effort but a D+ for execution.

38. Utah Jazz (Home, Current)

The Utah Jazz used to have a creative jersey. It combined not-too-bright colors with a smooth style of play. Now, they're awkwardly combining dark blue and yellow while fighting for a one-dimensional playoff berth.

While everyone likes a good blast from the past, these are nothing but ugly. I'd rather see the Jazz in that mismatch of blue than this... Well, you see it.

37. Toronto Raptors (Home, 1995-99)

A different form of this jersey was a little bit worse, but that doesn't excuse this from consideration. Nor does it excuse the Raptors from using a dinosaur that looks more friendly than intimidating.

While the Raptors have recently got their uniforms down right, their past was not as rewarding. Their inability to hold on to star players was almost as frustrating as the threads those stars were playing in.

36. Seattle SuperSonics (Alternate, 1997-2001)

For those who complain about the Oklahoma City Thunder's jerseys, it could be worse. By worse, of course, I mean it could still be the Seattle Sonics' alternate uniform.

Aside from the fact that the jersey is only loosely based off of the franchise's colors, the jersey does nothing but make an exciting team seem dull.

If you don't believe that's possible, just think about this year's San Antonio Spurs.

35. Cleveland Cavaliers (Road, 1974-81)

The Cavaliers' poor history with jerseys continues here. First question is, "what in the world is on the side of their jersey?" The second question is, "did they really choose that as their main color?"

And finally, the ever-important question of: "why do they expect to sell any jerseys when they look like that?"

34. Utah Jazz (Road, 1997-2004)

It pains me to criticize these jerseys, as they're synonymous with so many of the NBA's greatest moments. Nevertheless, the all purple and mountain-covered jerseys are amongst some of the most peculiar selections in NBA history.

While some of the NBA's greatest players, including John Stockton and Karl Malone, were not afraid to rock the purple, it's hard to find justification for this uniform decision. Not too many teams in the history of the NBA have gone all out like this...

33. Noche Latina

This isn't because I dislike the idea, I just feel they've butchered any attempt at a respectable creation. After all, the NBA's version of Spanish includes throwing the words "Los" or "El" in front of English words that stay the same.

Brilliant.

32. Memphis Grizzlies (Road, 2001-02)

You'd think that a transition from Vancouver to Memphis might change up the color scheme a bit, but it didn't. Instead, the Grizzlies decided to stick with their team name and continued to defy logic with their uniforms.

The best improvement they made was the removal of... Well, this pretty much looks the same. The only difference is that it appears they have tile running down the sides of their jersey...

31. Cleveland Cavaliers (Home, 1974-81)

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their history of unfortunate jersey selections, placing a questionable pattern around a questionable color.

To make things worse, they forced former first overall draft choice Austin Carr into wearing this jersey.

To make things worse, Carr did so after wearing the legendary Notre Dame uniform.

30. Utah Jazz (Road, Current)

The Utah Jazz have gone from one of the best jerseys in the NBA to, arguably, the worst present-day uniform.

By worst, of course, I'm acknowledging the fact that they're currently wearing green. Which wasn't previously in their official team colors.

It's a shame that a team who is poised for a potential playoff run has to dress so poorly.

29. Atlanta Hawks (1983-92)

I know Dominique Wilkins made this uniform look amazing, but let's be honest for a second. There is nothing about this article that says "Hawks" besides the strange logo on the lower half of the shorts.

A logo that I could hardly tell resembled a Hawk.

Fortunately for fans in Atlanta, the talent has almost always been there to justify any hiccups in the uniform-creating process. They've also got some nice threads in this day and age.

28. 2008 All-Star Game (Eastern Conference)

If you thought the Western Conference looked ridiculous in 2008, you clearly didn't see the Eastern Conference.

Watching LeBron James dunk in a two-faced jersey with strange stripes along his side was equivalent to watching Rajon Rondo dislocate his elbow: painful and uncomfortable.

Let's hope that the NBA has learned its lesson.

27. Milwaukee Bucks (Road, 2001-06)

The uniform alone isn't quite as bad as some of the others listed before this.

The fact that the Bucks wore this on a consistent basis for five years, however, is bad enough to bring this higher than I've graciously dropped it.

26. Seattle SuperSonics (Alternate, 2004-08)

I said it before and I'll say it again: what's the difference between this and the hated Oregon Ducks?

I'm actually a fan of both, but the disdain for one and admiration for the other is frustrating enough to warrant placement on this list. Watching Ray Allen stroke it from downtown in this very jersey could never get old, but seriously...

The torture Ray Allen went through in terms of jerseys is unbelievable.

25. Sacramento Kings (Alternate, 2005-2007)

The Sacramento Kings have done some questionable things over the years, yet nothing seems to be quite as puzzling as their choice of a gold uniform. With purple letters.

While I can understand the attempt at symbolizing royalty, I can't understand how the Kings expected this to empower their players. Instead, it made them stand out in ways they hoped not to.

It made fans watch them when the times were getting rough...

24. San Diego Rockets (1967-71)

Now known as the Houston Rockets, the long-time franchise got their start at putting together terrible jerseys while in San Diego, Calif. This beauty features an uninspiring combination of green and yellow. Something that truly screams "rocket."

I'm not sure where the motivation comes for players to win on behalf of this team, but I do know it had nothing to do with the jersey. Nothing.

23. Golden State Warriors (Home, 1981)

The Golden State Warriors aimed to let the world know where they're located by placing the state and city on their jersey. In turn, they created one of the most puzzling uniforms in NBA history.

Strange to think that one of the greatest trios in NBA history once wore this uniform. And even stranger to think that most still don't know where Golden State is on the map.

22. Houston Rockets (Home, 1995-2003)

How Hakeem Olajuwon mustered the courage to wear this jersey is beyond me. It's a mix between generic and cartoonish, something that didn't seem possible until Houston revealed these bad boys prior to the 1995 NBA season.

The team had success in the jerseys, which positively adds to their quality. Nevertheless, these jerseys are quite noteworthy for all the wrong reasons.

21. New Jersey Nets (Road, 1990-91)

You'd think that an ability to create a flashy hue to your jersey would be good. It isn't. The jerseys were as much of a hurt on the eyes as the Nets' play was on the fans.

Even Derrick Coleman knows that.

20. Atlanta Hawks (Road, 1995-99)

Not only did the Hawks turn their uniform into something it never should have become, but they did so while already sporting a jersey worth avoiding. Check slide 29 for that.

As for this disaster, the Hawks placed a hawk firmly across their players' torsos. All the way across.

Seriously, Atlanta, why did it take so many failures to reach the beautiful jerseys you have today?

19. Toronto Raptors (Road, 1996-99)

The jersey is commonly referred to as "Angry Barney." It's not hard to see why, as the Raptor on this purple jersey looks awfully cartoonish.

Fortunately, it couldn't take away from what Marcus Camby did while wearing the purple jersey.

To think, Chauncey Billups, Damon Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady once wore this jersey at the same time.

18. Denver Nuggets (Home, 1985-93)

I'm one of the few who actually enjoys this uniform, but I can't argue how bad it really is.

The rainbow pattern across the chest, as well as the same string across the outline of the shorts, are none too appetizing for the eyes to feast upon. Neither is the font style.

Never forget how tough this team was, though. Despite the rainbows and mountains...

17. New Orleans Hornets (Alternate, Current)

While I can't knock the attempt at capturing New Orleans' rich history of Mardi Gras, I can say that I'm thoroughly upset with the way these jerseys turned out.

After all, what positive is there to be found in a combination of purple and green?

Chris Kaman knows how painful it can be to wear these.

16. Detroit Pistons (Home, 1996-2001)

It's a shame that the color teal was chosen, as the logo on this jersey actually shows a sense of toughness.

Considering players such as Joe Dumars and Grant Hill wore this jersey, it's a shame that the color counter-acts any power the logo held onto.

One of the many teal disasters.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers (Home, 1997-99)

If I could tell you what the Cavaliers were thinking when they put the following two uniforms together, I would. Unfortunately, I'm one of many who still shakes their head at this style debacle.

Between the meaningless stripe across the middle of the uniform and the uninspiring basketball on the side of the leg, meaningless is far from strong enough to define this jersey. Maybe the next slide will prove this point...

14. Cleveland Cavaliers (Road, 1994-97)

If you thought the white was bad, how about the black? Aside from the fact that the colors fail to go together in a respectable manner, the jersey screams mediocrity.

If you don't believe me, point out which season the Cavaliers made it past the first round while wearing this jersey.

Same issues as the previous slide. Just worse.

13. Houston Rockets (Road, 1995-2003)

Am I the only one who feels this jersey bears a strange resemblance to the pair of pajamas that every kid owned in the 1990's?

Between the cartoonishly angry rocket and the uneventful navy blue coloring, it's hard not to see the humor in this uniform.

When you add in the vanishing pinstripes, however, this joke becomes as difficult to handle as Hakeem Olajuwon himself.

12. Toronto Raptors (Camouflage)

I'm not sure what sparked the decision to make these jerseys. What I do know, however, is that the Toronto Raptors went from one of the best jerseys in the NBA to one of the biggest headaches around.

Hopefully, they'll be back to black and red before we know it...

11. Vancouver Grizzlies (Home, 1995-2000)

It doesn't matter how you cut it, folks. These jerseys are downright ugly.

Despite playing in one of the greatest cities in the world, Vancouver, the Grizzlies have never managed to put a nice jersey together.

Whether it's the teal lettering, super-hero font or the awkwardly placed Grizzly on the outside of their player's legs, this is a failure.

Just like the Grizzlies' short-lived Vancouver experience...

10. Indiana Pacers (Road, 1999-2005)

The Indiana Pacers haven't had much of an issue generating a generic jersey that works out okay.

What they have had an issue of doing, however, is becoming modern. Evidence of such is this all-yellow eye-terror.

God bless Reggie Miller...

9. Philadelphia 76ers (Road, 1991-94)

Forgive me for my inability to string together words, I'm just not sure what this is supposed to be.

The 76ers were named due to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, but what is this stripe of childhood stars supposed to signify?

Fortunately, we got to see Sir Charles Barkley in this lovely du-up.

8. 1995 All-Star Game (Eastern Conference)

If wearing this jersey is supposed to be an honor, I'm sure Tyrone Hill is happy he only had to be on the court for six minutes. That is, unless he enjoys wearing cactus-covered clothing designed by middle-school students.

And to think, this is the game that saw Gary Payton and Anfernee Hardaway combine for 26 assists, as well as Mitch Richmond dropping 23 on 10-of-13 shooting.

7. Charlotte Hornets (Road, 1989-96)

It's hard to imagine some of the NBA's true tough guys, such as Larry Johnson and Glen Rice, wearing this jersey. The fact is, they all did. In pride-swallowing glory.

I'd ask George Shinn what he was thinking, I just don't think he has the slightest idea as to why these jerseys existed, either.

6. Atlanta Hawks (Alternate, 2004-07)

The Atlanta Hawks have always walked a dangerous line as they put together their uniforms, but never have they fallen as hard as they did in the summer of 2004. And again for the next three years.

The Hawks donned all-yellow jerseys with bright red lettering. This fit well with Josh Childress' outrageous hair and the Hawks' inability to do anything appealing on the basketball court.

5. Vancouver Grizzlies (Road, 1995-2000)

As evident by the previous slides, we could make an entire slideshow highlighting the horrors of the Vancouver Grizzlies' apparel.

This has to take the cake as the worst the franchise has ever seen, though, as grown men were forced to wear teal.

All teal.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (Alternate, 2012)

It hurts my eyes and breaks my heart to know that great players have worn this jersey. So much so that I must apologize to Rudy Gay...

Seriously, what is this?

3. Washington Bullets (Home, 1975-87)

If Slide 40 was bad, this is just downright terrible.

Between the star-covered shorts and the wife-beater jerseys, there's not much to like. It seems more like a video that you don't want your youngest son to watch than it is a basketball jersey. Let's just thank the basketball gods that John Wall has been spared the humiliation.

2. Denver Nuggets (Road, 1985-93)

If you're looking for the most irrationally put together jersey in the history of the NBA, you have it right here.

The color scheme, the rainbow pattern and the strangely shaped letters made one of the NBA's smoothest players, Kiki Vandeweghe, look uncomfortable.

Reasonably so, as the German superstar did just about everything he could to justify the jersey.

Even he came up short.

1. 1996 All-Star Game (Eastern Conference)

I wish I could be making this up, but these elementary school jerseys are real. And they were worn by some of the greatest players in NBA history.

The child-drawn numbers, the inexplicable pepper and the randomly placed three stars are bad enough.

Then you add on the poorly drawn basketball, the eye-burning color and the fact that this was made for an All-Star game. What in the world was the NBA thinking?