The NBA Christmas Day games have always been a special treat for fans, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable absence: the Christmas jerseys. The culprit? Nike. In 2017, the sports apparel giant took over the NBA’s uniform contract from Adidas and decided not to continue the festive looks of its predecessor. This decision has left fans and players yearning for the return of the Yuletide attire.
While Nike may have done away with the Christmas jerseys, they still offer a variety of uniform combinations with their four jersey editions: Association, Icon, City, and Statement. While these designs are undoubtedly stylish, they lack the holiday spirit that the Christmas jerseys brought to the court.
Even basketball superstar LeBron James, who has played on Christmas for 17 consecutive seasons, expressed his disappointment with the absence of Christmas jerseys. In 2020, James voiced his longing for the return of the festive attire. However, Nike remains unmoved by his plea, stating that they are satisfied with their current assortment of jerseys and the storytelling opportunities they provide.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the short-lived holiday ensembles. It all began with a white snowflake design around the logo on the front of the jerseys. The league also made an effort to feature teams with red and green colors, adding to the festive atmosphere. While the intention was for the large, centered logo to be the focal point, it was the sleeves that garnered most of the attention. Players, however, complained that the extra fabric affected their shooting. These uniforms were also used in the All-Star Game but received mixed reviews from NBA Twitter, with even Dirk Nowitzki expressing his dissatisfaction.
In the following years, the design of the Christmas jerseys evolved. The focus shifted to the back of the jersey, with players’ first names placed on a panel below their numbers. This was a defining feature of the jerseys during this period and added a unique touch to the holiday-themed designs.
In more recent years, the jerseys took inspiration from greeting cards, featuring seasonal script with cursive lettering. This design was met with overwhelming praise from fans and players alike, making it the most beloved of the Christmas jersey collection. Unfortunately, this cherished design only made a comeback for one additional year before it disappeared altogether.
As of now, Nike has no plans to reintroduce the Christmas jerseys, much to the disappointment of fans. However, the demand and desire for their return remain strong. The festive spirit and unique designs brought joy to the holiday games, and many hope that one day, the NBA will embrace this tradition once again.
In the meantime, fans will have to settle for the stylish and diverse uniform combinations that Nike offers. While they may not capture the holiday magic of the Christmas jerseys, they still allow players to showcase their individuality and represent their teams on the court. Nevertheless, the absence of the Christmas jerseys is a fashion tragedy that many in the NBA community mourn.
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