What’s new with the Thunder’s uniform design?
On Wednesday, the Thunder unveiled its Nike “Association” and “Icon” uniforms for the 2017-18 season. At first glance, the changes don’t appear drastic for the two initial offerings, but here’s what’s different:
The top
The NBA’s previous apparel supplier, adidas, did not have its emblem on team uniforms, shorts, or jersey tops last season. Nike will have its trademark swoosh on the right chest. The neckline also is slightly different, a “tailored cut to improve range of motion at the shoulders.”
The shorts
The Thunder now has a patch on the front of the waist band which reads “OKC” in blue letters on the white “Association” uniforms, and in white on the blue “Icon” uniforms, meant to “highlight team identity.” There’s also a Nike swoosh on the front left just below the waistband. Nike also is rolling out new compression tights and socks which have yet to be revealed.
The material
The biggest change comes in the composition of the uniforms. Based off the design of 2016 Men’s National Team uniforms, the uniform will be comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester, with each uniform being made of 20 recycled PET (plastic) bottles. Nike says the uniforms will wick sweat 30 percent faster than current NBA uniforms.
The design
Per Nike, early versions of the uniform that were tested helped the company determine new designs which move the armhole, neck and side seams to “eliminate distractions for athletes.” The differences you may not be able to see, such as the minimization of interior stitching and seams, may be the most important to the athletes.
What’s next?
At minimum, Nike will roll out two additional core uniforms for all 30 teams in the upcoming months. They will be “inspired by the mindset of the NBA athlete and the communities that support their teams through thick and thin, respectively.” Eight teams will receive a “Classic Edition” uniform that will be available in the fall, meant to celebrate some of the most iconic uniforms in league history. It’s unknown if the Thunder will be included among the eight, but odds are it won’t since the team has only played nine seasons. Think more traditional teams, such as Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers.