Grading the Best and Worst NBA Jersey Changes

Some NBA teams have come out with new uniforms, although many are just "alternatives," which is just a fancy way of saying, "so we can make extra money selling more uniforms." 

Some of these are worth buying and some are not. Some are worth being "LeBron-left-Clevelanded," if you know what I mean. 

I'll show you the jerseys, thanks to Uni Watch at ESPN , give you my impression and give each a letter grade. 

Dallas Mavericks: Blue Alternaitves

I really like this navy blue variation of the P. Diddy-designed green and the navy blue really makes everything else pop. The only thing that surprises me is that Mark Cuban didn't try and find a way to get them stitched with extra bling, have diamond encrusted numbers or something of the sort. 

I actually like these better than the originals. 

Grade: A

Los Angeles Clippers: Throwbacks

This uniform has not been released to the general public so this is the rendering from a video game of what they might look like.

If this is indeed what the throwback looks like, I'm really not that impressed. I think it's ordinary. In fact, if there's anything interesting about it it's that you can't really do anything to make it more ordinary. 

Grade: C-

Memphis Grizzlies

I know what you're thinking, Memphis throwbacks? That's right, this is an ABA Memphis Tams throwback uniform. 

The best thing about the 70s ending was that the 70s ended. We don't need to bring them back or the mismatched, clashing style of dress. It was wrong the first time, and it's even more wrong the second time. This looks more like throw-up than throwback. 

Grade: F

Miami Heat: All Black Unis

If you needed the Heat to look more villainous, this should help. All they need is the Darth Vader helmet to complete the outfit. I really like these. They look intimidating.

I think the shimmer—which comes form using the old style fabric according to the article—adds a touch of ego to the whole thing, which makes it better. 

I'd have given them a better grade if they came with the helmet. 

Grade: B+

New Orleans Hornets: Mardi Gras Unis

I think these are my favorites.

Normally I don't like these things that are different on one side than the other, but this works. It has a nice flow to it and the gold stripes down the sides keep the whole thing from attacking your eyes. 

Plus, it gives you the feeling of Mardi Gras, which will be taking place while these are being worn. It's just too bad they won't be coming with a "3" on the back. 

Grade: A+

Sacramento Kings: Black Unis

I have to agree with uni watch on this one.

I'm normally the last person to be the "font police" and will tell you that most of the time people are contemplating which is the best font. Sans comic sans, most of the time it's not going to make a difference. 

Having said that the font clash here between the Kings script and the numbers just leaves you with that feeling you get when a couple is fighting in front of you and you're not quite sure how to react. It's like the number is fighting the word. 

It's possible that this feud could distract us from watching the game. 

Grade: D-

New Jersey Nets: Throwbacks

This is again a throwback to the ABA unis, and again, is the video game artist's rendering of what they might look like. 

Let's all hope that the video game artist is really wrong. If I saw this on my TV I'd be wondering what's going on with the toning. All that business is just too much business. 

Having said that, take note of the name on the front. 

Grade: D+

Philadelphia 76ers: Blue Road Alternatives

I really like this one, though I didn't at first.

It's got a straightforward simplicity to it that's easy on the eyes. I actually much prefer this one to the 76ers' current road unis and wish they would make this their main one. These prove you can still just have a nice, straightforward and classy uniform. 

Grade: A

Toronto Raptors: Camo Unis

The only way to justify these is to send Bargnani quail hunting with Dick Cheney. 

I mean these things are awful. It's not like the straightforward camouflage notion wasn't ugly enough, though. They had to patch it together with with that black and white thing on the sides. 

It looks like a camouflage uniform got married to an evening gown and this was their baby. It's awful. It's an eyesore. If anyone buys this they'll get beaten up.

In a word, "ugh!"

Grade: F- 

Washington Wizards

I believe this is a full uniform makeover and will end up being the Wizards new uni. 

Good job!

I like the red, white and blue theme, which is appropriate for the nation's capital. It's even got stars and stripes. They really look patriotic without being ostentatious. 

Grade: A