Ranking the top 10 throwback jerseys in NBA history

Benyam Kidane

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Ranking the top 10 throwback jerseys in NBA history image

NBA fans are almost spoiled for choice nowadays with teams constantly updating their jerseys.

With several teams sporting new home and away colors, while also giving fans a taste of nostalgia bringing back some of the most beloved throwback jerseys... That got us thinking, which other vintage threads do we want to see back on the court in the NBA?

As the NBA celebrates the second annual #NBAJerseyDay on Dec. 14, here are the top 10 throwback jerseys that need to make a comeback. 

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1. Philadelphia 76ers road - 1997-2009

#Iverson

After years without wearing a black uniform, the 76ers' 2020-21 City Editions brought back the colorway, paying homage to the iconic view of Boathouse Row.

Ben Simmons helped design the new uniforms, with the Aussie point guard pushing to bring back the Allen Iverson era threads. "I took it upon myself to bring back the black jersey," Ben Simmons told ESPN last year.

Iverson rocked the black 76ers jersey when he lifted the 2001 Most Valuable Player of the Year trophy, only adding to the nostalgia.

2. Orlando Magic – Bring back the pinstripes

#Penny #Shaq

The Magic's jerseys have been underwhelming in recent years, while they sit on a gold mine of a throwback in their famous '90s pinstripes. 

Immediately bringing back the vibes from the Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal heydays, these pinstripes in white, black, or blue are a must for Magic fans.

3. Chicago Bulls revisit the cursive

#Jordan

Even though the Bulls never won a championship in these uniforms, they maintain iconic status, symbolizing the beginning of the Michael Jordan era in 1984.

Has anyone ever looked cooler than MJ rocking this jersey with two gold chains in the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest? I don't think so.

They did bring back a version of these this year, just as a temporary alternative, but we'd like to see them make it permanent.

4. Toronto Raptors – Dino uniforms

#McGrady #Carter

The Raptors brought these back in 2019-20 to celebrate the team's 25th anniversary, but let's go ahead and do it again. 

The butt of plenty of jokes back in the day, these cartoon uniforms have aged gracefully, now becoming a must-have jersey for Raptors fans.

5. Phoenix Suns '90s threads

#Barkley

I need to see Devin Booker dropping a 40-piece in these unis. 

End of story.

6. Warriors x Run TMC

#Hardaway

We've already seen the Warriors throw it back to the 'We Believe' era, now it's time to bring back the TMC threads. Steph Curry pulling up from halfcourt at the Chase Center in these unis just makes sense. 

Let's bring back the 'C' on the chest while we're at it. 

7. Detroit Pistons – Motor City

#Hill

Detroit has leaned into their Motor City moniker on their jerseys in recent years, but nothing beats the original Grant Hill-era uniforms.

These jerseys are fire in white and red, but the teal version takes the cake.

8. Atlanta Hawks – Bring back the big Hawk

#Smith

I'm showing an unreasonable amount of love to the cartoon jerseys of the '90s, but this is by far the best jersey the Hawks have ever produced.

The Hawks are rocking a version of these as their City Edition jerseys this year, but kind of like I said for the Bulls' cursive jerseys, let's make it permanent.

9. San Antonio Spurs – Pay homage to the Iceman

#Gervin

The Spurs have gone in the opposite direction with their City Edition uniforms in recent years, bringing back the bright colors of their Fiesta jerseys.

The simplicity of these 1980's George Gervin era threads have to make a comeback at some point!

10. Miami Heat – Another 90s throwback

#Mourning

The Miami Heat have had some of the best alternate jerseys in recent years with their 'Vice City' colorways, but the 1995-96 retro red alternates could be the only ones in their back catalog that could top them.

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.