It’s not teal, but it’s still pretty good.
The Detroit Pistons, along with the rest of the NBA, unveiled their new City Edition uniforms for the 2021-22 season. Coming off a decade-long run of terrible alternate jerseys, the Pistons dropped a red-heavy look that harkens back to the 1970s lightning bolt look.
It’s a hybrid of sorts.
The 1970s influence (utilized again in the 2000s) is seen on the new shorts, the 1980s are represented with the red alternate from the classic Bad Boys uniform style, and more red from the 2000s with this under-utilized alternate from the Goin’ to Work days.
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And, yes, there’s a little teal on the trim.
These appear to fall under the “anniversary” of the Fort Wayne Pistons, which you can sort of see in the new font used on the chest.
Team reporter Keith Langlois actually wrote about this a few years back:
As for throwbacks – any resuscitation of the teals would fall under the throwback banner – they can only be worn in an anniversary year for the franchise. Eligible seasons in the near future would be 2021-22 (for the Fort Wayne Pistons) or 2027-28, which would be the 70th anniversary of the move to Detroit.
Personally, I think it’s a cool look. I’m surprised they didn’t push the “313” branding somewhere on it, but that might be for the better. These look modern. The overall simplicity of design is a bonus.
They aren’t just the normal Pistons jerseys, recolored with the same font. That’s a win.
Plus, there are no TIRE TRACKS/ROAD LINES or SLEEVES, which, in itself, is a huge win.
This is the first alternate jersey in awhile that hasn’t been rooted in automotive, at least on the surface. With the rise of electric vehicles, maybe it is? Either way, it’s a good look that should blend well with the new alternate 313 court:
Based on information over at NBA LockerVision, the Pistons are scheduled to wear the City Edition uniform at home this Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. I’m guessing Cade Cunningham will be out there, well rested for that game.
Lastly, with the the whole all-in on “teal” situation: these alternates either show that the franchise is determined to not go back to. that era, despite fan outcry for it, or that they’re keeping the full teal in their back pocket for when the team is actually good in a few years.
Let us know your thoughts on the new City Edition jerseys in the comments!