New uniforms end old designations

MIAMI — Even after bringing back most of their roster, the Miami Heat will have a new look next season —as will the entireNBA.

With the switch of uniform manufacturers from Reebok to Nike, the NBA this offseason will unveil reimagined threads for all 30 teams in advance of the 2017-18 season, with an unusual twist.

Unlike the traditional approach of white home uniforms and dark road uniforms, teams will instead be allowed to select from any of five uniform styles for home games, with visiting teams then required to play in contrasting uniforms.

While the Sacramento Kings have already unveiled their new editions, others teams, including the Heat, have yet to release their designs.

Already, though, New Jersey-based designer Brian Begley has released his imagining of potential Heat variations, with his mockups widely circulated online.

According to the release issued this week by Nike in advance of the eventual unveiling of the new uniforms:

“Coinciding with the introduction of the new uniforms, the NBA is eliminating its ‘Home’ and ‘Road’ uniform designations. Beginning with the 2017-18 season, home teams will pick which of their uniforms will be worn at all home games, and visiting teams will choose a contrasting uniform within their own assortment.

“Because of thischange, Nike and theNBAworked together to create four core uniforms for each team, classified as ‘editions,’ which draw from the rich heritage of the NBA and its franchises.”

The Nike release detailed the aspects of each uniform style:

“The first two editions of the NBA uniforms, which will be introduced by teams this summer and will make their on-court debut at the start of the season, are the Association and Icon editions. The two remaining core uniforms, inspired by the mindset of the NBA athlete and the communities that support their teams through thick and thin, respectively, will be revealed in the coming months.

“The ‘Association Edition,’ the traditional home white uniform that all 30 teams will have in their assortment, links them as members of the most exclusive basketball club in theworld. It represents an achievement that most athletes haveworked their entire lives to reach.

“The ‘Icon Edition,’ previously known as the road uniform, represents the rich heritage and iconic identity that exists within each franchise. This edition utilizes the team’s primary color, a color that dominates the closets of themost diehard fans.

“Also this season, eight NBA teams will have a ‘Classic Edition’ uniform thatwill be available in the fall. The Classic Edition celebrates some of the most iconic uniforms in league history and can be worn at each team’s discretion.”

Teams also will begin wearing advertising patches on uniforms. Heat President Pat Riley recently said the marketing department is handling that.

“Some markets probably will get more for that logo than other markets, but it is a form of revenue that is needed,” he said. respective