The New NBA Uniforms
This past summer has been huge for players and fans of the NBA. Seven All-Stars are now on different teams which set an NBA record. The NBA also decided to change their apparel provider from Adidas to Nike. Nike took control of everything from jerseys and shorts to warm up gear and even socks and undergarments. As a high-level athlete, I understand the advantage of a good fitting uniform, I like my shorts to be cut above my knee, but to achieve that with most uniforms, you must roll the shorts multiple times. With these new Nike uniforms, they took feedback from every player on how they like their uniforms to fit and feel. The uniforms are made with 30% recycled material, this allows the uniform to be lighter and more breathable along with making it better for the environment. Nike also erased Home and Away uniforms. Now there are Association and Icon Editions which are like the Home and Away uniforms. They also created a Statement Edition which is like an alternate uniform. All these uniforms will be available for purchase by fans later this year.
Along with the jerseys and shorts, Nike created new warm up jackets for players. Warm ups are very important as a player. It’s your last chance to correct your shot and it also prepares your body for the beating it will take during the game. It is important for your body to stay warm so your muscles don’t tighten up and cause injury. This is the reason you will see most players warm up in a long sleeve shirt or hoodies. Nike realized that the hoodies sleeves are baggy and the hoods flop around which distract you and can alter your shot. Nike redesigned the performance hoodie with a product cold Therma Flex. The designers describe it as a mid-weight fleece but reversed. They have the smooth part usually on the outside on the inside and the warm fleece pieces on the outside which helps to trap body heat and get the body warmer. Nike also realized that most players like to wear a hood while warming up, but most hoods block vision and reduce hearing which is a disadvantage to players. The new hood has vents that help to not over heat the player and increase hearing. The hood also has a unique cut allowing full peripheral vision.
Nike also redesigned the compression pants that most players like to wear. Compression pants give you some protection on your knees and legs from falls and helps keep your muscles warm and loose. Most compression pants don’t have vents on them which causes sweat to build up and collect in the pants which slows you down. These new Nike compression pants have increased thickness on the knees to allow for greater protection on the knees. Nike also created a version with knee pads for more aggressive players who take falls. Everywhere except the front of the knee has vents and thicker stitching to prevent tears due to basketball movements.
Possibly the most important piece is the redesigned socks. Your feet are the base of control for basketball so it’s good to protect them. To help reduce impact, some players wear 2 socks when playing. The new Nike socks have extra thickness in the heel and the forefoot for extra protection, while there is compression on the arch and part of the ankles to increase blood flow and venting. Nike created two versions of the socks, the Nikegrip Power and the Nikegrip Quick. The Quick uses less cushioning while the Power uses maximum cushion.
Nike’s new uniforms will provide a great mental advantage for players throughout the season. All these improvements will help them prevent injuries. I believe that this improvement will help fans feel closer to their favorite players. Never forget the famous quote by Deion Sanders, “If you look good, you play good.”
