On Monday, four NBA teams showcased new Classic Edition uniforms inspired by the ABA style to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 NBA-ABA merger. The Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs each revealed uniforms that pay tribute to their historical roots.
Honorable Mention: San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs’ uniform is a reproduction of their original home attire from their early years in San Antonio. The uniform features the distinctive arched “Spurs” wordmark on the chest, just as it appeared when the team relocated from Dallas in 1973. Jordan Mandelkorn, Vice President of Marketing, Creative, and Retail for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, stated that these uniforms offer a unique chance to celebrate the rich history of the Spurs and the city. They plan to debut this look on November 4, 2026, against the Dallas Mavericks, with accompanying throwback court designs featuring the ABA 50th-anniversary logo.
One notable highlight is the shorts, which feature a black diamond backdrop framing the classic cowboy spur for a standout retro look.
The Worst: Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets city edition uniforms are less impressive. They trade traditional navy and gold colors for a muted orange design, honoring their 1960s and 1970s ABA heritage. The jersey displays an arched “Denver” wordmark in black lettering with a white outline—a simple and uninspired choice. The shorts feature a black Rockets logo, referencing the team’s original identity as the Denver Rockets before becoming the Nuggets.
The Nuggets will wear this uniform on December 27, 2026, against the Indiana Pacers, with a matching throwback court design at Ball Arena.
Runner-Up: Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers Classic Edition uniform offers a vibrant design reminiscent of their ABA powerhouse era. The royal blue jersey features the white “Indiana” wordmark arched across the chest, complemented by gold numbering and racing stripes. It bears a resemblance to the early 70s Atlanta Hawks uniform.
The vintage 1967 logo on the shorts includes a cartoonish hand holding a basketball, adding a playful touch. The Pacers announced plans to wear these uniforms for 15 games, with a custom throwback court design enhancing the experience for seven home games.
The Best: Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets Classic Edition uniform captures the essence of the franchise’s ABA roots. It incorporates red, white, and blue colors, reflecting the period-specific basketball design. The jersey features retro star paneling, reminiscent of Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s era in the ABA.
The matching throwback court design at Barclays Center complements the uniform’s debut on Opening Night, October 21, 2026, against the Charlotte Hornets.
These uniforms honor the history of the leagues’ merger. They outshine the Specter Edition uniforms, which were criticized earlier this year.
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