Who likes Hardwood Classic jerseys? I do. I love them. Why? Because they evoke memories, and, in the simplest possible way, they look sick. The 2024-25 batch is no different, so let's break down the styles that dropped this week.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Dub's 'origins' jersey made its first appearance back in 2021 and points back to the design worn in the 1960s. Most of us are too young (or in my case - old, but not that old) to remember these the first time around, however, I'm sure we're all familiar with the discussion around Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. Whether you believe that he achieved this historic feat or not, there is, at least, enough evidence to prove that he wore a Warriors (they were located in Philadelphia at the time) jersey that looked like this. It was released in blue back in 2021 and makes its return in white.
I have no doubt that the combination of its design, the white colourway, and Stephen Curry's continued popularity will make this one a hit.
Memphis grizzlies
The Grizz celebrate their 30th season this year, and what better way to mark the occasion than to bring out the OG design that made its debut in Vancouver back in the mid-90s? Like The Warriors HWC, this also appeared a couple of years ago and returns in a previously unavailable white colourway.
If Ja is on the court this season, then this jersey will hopefully make its way into a couple of highlight reels and undoubtedly into countless shopping carts.
TORONTO RAPTORS
It's been a big historical year for the Raps already, with Vince Carter heading to the HOF and having his number retired, as well as the franchise (like the Grizzlies) going into its 30th year. Unlike their previous 'dino' HWC throwback (their City Edition points us to that), the design this year was worn in the late 90s through to the mid-00s by the likes of VC and Tracy McGrady. It's a classic and still looks as good today as it did 20 years ago.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Another team celebrating an anniversary are the Sacramento Kings, this time 40 years, and I'm sure we all saw and enjoyed watching Mike Bibby and Doug Christie unveiling these in their viral promo video. The design is almost identical to what these Sac-Town OGs wore back in the '00s in their legendary West Coast playoff battles. This style was last worn in 2008 - recent enough to remember, far enough to make even a young-ish fan feel old!
