The playoffs aren’t given, they’re earned, and the 16 teams that qualified for the post-season last season in the NBA have been rewarded with a new uniform.
The NBA and Nike unveiled the “Earned Edition” uniforms on Wednesday, jerseys that can be worn starting on Christmas Day through the second half of the season by the 16 teams that took part in the 2017-18 playoffs.
Solidifying a spot in the NBA Playoffs now comes with a new perk: The 16 deserving teams from the 2017-18 season will add new Nike NBA Earned Edition uniforms into their rotations as they compete for the NBA championship. The new looks, which are variations of each team’s Statement or City Edition uniforms, aim to supply fans with a tangible claim to both their team’s heritage and current success streak.
The Toronto Raptors are among the “Earned Edition” teams after finishing first in the Eastern Conference last season with a 59-23 record. A new spin on Toronto’s “City Edition” jersey, the Raptors’ “Earned Edition” uniform pays homage to the Canadian flag.
A twist to the popular “North” jersey, the red base of Toronto’s Earned Edition uniform honors Canada’s flag and the franchise’s position as the League’s only international team.
The first chance the Raptors will have to sport this look is on Dec. 26 against the Miami Heat, who also earned the opportunity to rock new threads – and arguably have the best of the “Earned Edition” unis.
Other highlights from the select 16 include the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans.
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