Ranking each NBA team's top uniforms: Maximalist '90s designs, iconic classics, city editions shine as favorites

In the world of basketball, the uniform a team dons on the court is more than just clothing - it's a symbol of identity, tradition, and pride. As we delve into the rich history of the NBA, let's take a look at some of the most iconic uniforms that have graced the hardwood.

The Indiana Pacers' 1997-2005 pinstripes jersey, with its timeless design, takes us back to a bygone era and lends a tough edge to the yellow jersey. The Dallas Mavericks' 1981-84 standard green, blue, and white jersey, adorned with a cowboy hat logo, is a testament to the team's brand identity.

The Orlando Magic's 1996-97 blue pinstripes jersey, with its harmonious design, is a universal winner in uniform design, while the Charlotte Hornets' modern teal and white jersey, with its sharper font and subtle stingers, is a more appropriate design for a team named the "Hornets."

The Philadelphia 76ers' 1976-77 red, white, and blue jersey, with its star detailing, is the most appropriate for a team named the Philadelphia 76ers. The Los Angeles Lakers' simplest version of their purple and gold concept, from the Kobe Bryant era, is a fan favourite.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's 2018-19 City Edition Native American heritage jersey, with its unique design concept and emphasis on triangles, is considered the only legitimately good jersey the team has ever worn. The Sacramento Kings' purple alternates from the Chris Webber era are effective, with the black version being the superior choice due to showcasing the team's primary color.

The Detroit Pistons' 2001-04 Horse shorts, with their ethereal horse logo, are a symbol of spiritual support, while the Atlanta Hawks' 1995-1999 Big Hawk jersey, with its maximised design space, is considered a staple in NBA jersey design.

The New Orleans Pelicans' 2023-24 City Edition VooDoo jersey, with its clean, local, and intimidating design, is a perfect fit for the team and city. The Los Angeles Clippers' 90s era uniform, with its clean red, white, and blue sets, effectively underlines the underdog theme and feels distinct from the Lakers' branding.

The Portland Trail Blazers' 1992-2002 standard red, black, and white jersey, with its smaller grey layer to the stripe, is considered the version that stands out. The Cleveland Cavaliers' effective mid-80s orange and white color scheme, featuring a net-shaped "V" on their jersey, is a nod to the team's history.

The Boston Celtics' 1998-2014 standard green and white jersey, with a clover on the belt line, is a more faithful representation of the team's name. If the Oklahoma City Thunder could wear only one permanent uniform for all their games, they would choose their 2018-19 Native American Heritage uniform, as it honours the state's Native American communities and identity.

The Brooklyn Nets' 2018-19 Biggie City Edition jersey gives the team a much-needed local flare, while the Chicago Bulls' 1986-2006 standard red, white, and black jersey is timeless and will never go out of style. The Denver Nuggets' 1986-1991 standard rainbow jersey, with negative space mountains on the white jerseys, is unique and memorable.

Many fans prefer throwback uniforms over modern ones, as they offer a sense of nostalgia and character that is missing in current designs. The New York Knicks' 1997-2001 standard blue and orange jersey, with its V-neck, fits a New York team better, while the Golden State Warriors' 2010-2014 standard blue and yellow jersey, with its California map logo on the belt, is clean, distinct, and iconic.

The Washington Wizards' 2022-23 City Edition cherry blossoms jersey is the only uniform that feels appropriate for both the team's name and its city, and uses a rare colour in NBA uniforms. The Utah Jazz's 1996-2004 standard mountain jerseys, with a beautiful mountain background, are a perfect geographic design, despite the word "Jazz" on the chest.

The San Antonio Spurs' modern standard black, white, and silver uniform, with a V-neck and single notable design element in the spur on the "U," is considered one of the best in the modern NBA. The Miami Heat's 2018-19 City Edition Miami Vice jersey captures the local vibe of Miami, while the Houston Rockets' 1995-2003 standard navy, red, and white jersey, with a cartoonish paint job on the rocket, is distinct and thematically connected to their team name and city.

The Phoenix Suns' 1994-2000 black sunburst alternates are cool, with a design that tells a different story of saving Phoenix from the cold, desert night. The Memphis Grizzlies' 1995-2000 standard teal and white jersey, with claw marks on the text, is the only jersey that has ever really tried anything for the team.

The NBA has seen a significant decline in design in the 21st century, with logos becoming increasingly homogenous and uniforms often being just a single word against a monochromatic background. Modern minimalism in the NBA is depriving the sport of character, making teams feel less distinct.

The criteria used for ranking the best uniforms in the 2025-26 season include colour scheme, theming, uniqueness, history, and coolness. The Milwaukee Bucks' 1995-1999 Big Buck alternate jersey, with its effective use of space, is a favourite, while the Minnesota Timberwolves' 1997-2008 black tree trim alternates, with their frigid font and best trim any uniform has ever had, are considered a "best jersey in NBA history" candidate.

The Toronto Raptors' 1997-99 Big Raptor jersey, with its goofy design and prehistoric feel, is a fan favourite, while new logos are circular because that is the standard shape for social media profile pictures. As we look forward to the future, let's hope that the NBA continues to celebrate its rich history and unique identities through its uniforms.

Ranking each NBA team's top uniforms: Maximalist '90s designs, iconic classics, city editions shine as favorites