Alternate jerseys in the NBA range from the awesome – the Denver Nuggets’ yellow uniforms and the Los Angeles Clippers’ baby-blues – to the awful – looking at you, Oklahoma City Thunder. The quality of the alternate rests not just in the color scheme, but in the meaning behind it. The Detroit Pistons’ alternates from last year weren’t anything to marvel at in terms of color, but the “Motor City” emblazoned on the front was a tremendous touch. This year, the Indiana Pacers will wear red and yellow Hickory High uniforms in homage to the film Hoosiers, which took place in Indiana.
It would make sense, then, that the jersey concept promoted by Miami Heat owner Micky Arison would pay tribute to Miami’s greatest cultural contribution: Miami Vice.
The white jersey is actually pretty appealing, though it does trend a little close to the Charlotte Hornets’ color scheme. Still, the pastel pink number is a great highlight. The black jersey is, uh, interesting. It looks like the love child of Miami Vice and Tron, and I still can’t decide whether that’s a good or bad thing.
The gradient “Miami” and number is cool, but it would be a little jarring to watch these streak up and down the court for an entire game. If Adidas ends up making them, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the squad should also be required to come to the game dressed in typical Vice garb. It’s only right.
(Via Micky Arison)
