By Harshit | September 25, 2025 8:46 AM EDT
The NBA is leaning into nostalgia this season as three teams—the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies—have unveiled throwback uniforms that will feature prominently throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Fans of the late 1990s and early 2000s will recognize the iconic designs, which are paired with specially designed courts to match the eras of the jerseys.
Philadelphia 76ers: Honoring the Iverson Era
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 2000-01 team that reached the NBA Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers are bringing back their iconic black jerseys. The all-black uniforms, originally worn from 1997 to 2009, became closely associated with former 76ers legend Allen Iverson. Philadelphia plans to wear the throwback jerseys 15 times this season, beginning with a home game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, November 8.
Former 76ers guard Eric Snow shared his thoughts on the return of the uniforms, saying, “Some of my favorite memories came when I was wearing this uniform. This uniform represented the connection of players with the city and 76ers fans. Although we didn’t accomplish our ultimate goal, I’m still thankful for the time I played in the 76ers uniform. Even now, I still meet people wherever I go who speak about the passion they had for our team and that run.”
The jerseys maintain the classic black base with red and gold accents, including the pointed collar with a gold star. Modern adjustments, such as a slimmer shoulder cut and updated fabric technology, ensure the uniforms are suitable for today’s fast-paced NBA gameplay.
Minnesota Timberwolves: The “Black Trees” Return
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reviving their “Black Trees” classic edition uniforms, originally popular during the era of Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury. The all-black jerseys feature rows of green trees along the trim, worn by the team from 1998 to 2008. The Timberwolves will debut the throwback uniforms and matching court design on Sunday, October 26, during their home opener against the Indiana Pacers.
The team has scheduled the jerseys to be worn 28 times throughout the season, including 21 home games. The design reflects a period of Timberwolves history that fans still remember fondly, capturing the energy and excitement of one of the franchise’s most celebrated eras. The team hopes that bringing back this classic look will strengthen the connection with longtime supporters while also introducing new fans to the team’s history.
Memphis Grizzlies: Celebrating Franchise Heritage
The Memphis Grizzlies are also joining the throwback trend with classic edition uniforms that honor the team’s first years in Memphis. The jerseys feature a black base with “Memphis” written in a sleek, modern font and accented with red, turquoise, and white trim. The “Claw Ball” logo on the neckline serves as a nod to the franchise’s Vancouver roots.
The Grizzlies will debut the uniforms on Wednesday, October 22, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout the season, the throwback jerseys will appear multiple times as a tribute to the team’s 25-year history in Memphis. The initiative reflects the organization’s effort to celebrate its past while creating a visually engaging experience for fans attending games or watching broadcasts.
Fan Engagement and League Impact
The revival of these throwback uniforms has generated significant excitement among NBA fans. Many see the jerseys as a way to reconnect with cherished moments from the late 1990s and early 2000s. From Iverson’s legendary scoring runs with the 76ers to Garnett’s dominant performances with the Timberwolves, these jerseys symbolize eras of individual brilliance and team identity.
The league has also ensured that the uniforms meet modern performance standards. Lighter fabrics, improved breathability, and flexible cuts make the throwback jerseys not only visually striking but also suitable for the rigorous demands of the contemporary NBA.
For fans, the throwback uniforms provide more than a visual treat; they represent an opportunity to relive iconic moments, spark conversations about past seasons, and celebrate the legacy of each franchise. For the teams, the jerseys help maintain strong engagement with their fanbase and honor the history that shapes the NBA today.
As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, fans can expect to see these classic jerseys across multiple games, both at home and on the road, bringing a wave of nostalgia and excitement to arenas and screens alike.
