New Orleans Pelicans New Uniforms' Generic Design Doesn't Fit Colorful City

The New Orleans Pelicans’ new uniform design falls short of truly embodying the city in which the newly named organization represents.

Take a look for yourself. Perhaps you’ve missed them to this point or simply mistook them for a mix between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies uniforms.

That was the best that the organization could come up with? There was so much potential there that just wasn’t realized with these new designs.

So why usher out generic and drab uniforms for a team hailing from a dynamic and exciting city like New Orleans?

The city itself isn’t only about Mardi Gras, raucous bars on Bourbon Street and partying. That’s merely an outward appearance that comes to view when outsiders look in.

But that isn’t the reason why the new design falls short. New Orleans is a cultural landmark with so much more to offer.

Wouldn’t it be best that that potential was on display each night when the city’s team takes the court?

“America’s Most Interesting City” is a moniker that many throw around to herald the culturally diverse and intriguing metropolis. Unfortunately, there’s really nothing too interesting about the Pelicans’ new uniform design that the team released on August 1.

The general reception hasn’t been great either. It’s impossible not to draw that connection between the new design and the plain look of the Cavs and Grizzlies. It screams “playing it safe.”

Sure, playing it safe has its merits. Swinging for the fences wouldn't have been a prudent move after an organizational makeover, but they could have at least taken the doughnut off of the bat in their efforts

Bland colors, small and plain font and a lack of flash provide little to get excited about.

There’s also the perplexing lack of a Pelican anywhere on the design.

There isn't even a mention of the name, anywhere.

While a new design may eventually be introduced to spice up things in a season or two, these initial mockups fall short of helping build the new brand.

In the meantime, winning on the court cures all. If the new-look Pelicans—both on and off the court—can get it done where it counts, then these uniforms will be an afterthought next spring.