What's different about this picture? Sleeves, on a basketball jersey, as modeled by Warriors' rookie forward Harrison Barnes. (Adidas via Golden State Warriors)
When they step out against the Spurs on Feb. 22, the Golden State Warriors will have a new and improved look: A lightweight, little bit tighter than usual, technologically advanced jersey.
Oh, and they have sleeves.
Who knew sleeves were such a big deal? But apparently, they are.
The Golden State Warriors are the first modern NBA team to diverge from the familiar sleeves-less tanktop jersey. Adidas has been working on what has been formally dubbed the “adizero NBA short sleeve uniform system” since 2011, according to Bay Area News Group.
Adidas, the official provider of NBA uniforms since 2006, saw the Bay Area as the perfect venue for innovative basketball apparel.
Adidas’ vice president of global basketball, Lawrence Norman, told Bay Area News Group:
“It was the right moment, the right team. Even more important, the right city. When you launch something as innovative as this — that will change the way the players look on the court and the way the fans support the team forever — why not launch it in the most innovative part of the United States?”
And the innovation doesn’t end with the sleeves. The new uniforms are 26 percent lighter than traditional jerseys, complete with moisture-absorbing material and made with 60 percent recycled material.
New shorts were also designed, with pinstripes running vertically that are meant to be reminiscent of the Bay Bridge and stretch woven fabric pricked with thousands of tiny holes to allow for optimal breathing.
Several players tested the uniforms in the offseason and the whole team has already done full practices while wearing the new gear.
Rookie forward Harrison Barnes told Bay Area News Group:
“I think it will be a trendsetter. I think its something it will take people a little bit of time to get used to, but once they do it’ll be good.”
The jerseys were actually designed to speed up that process for potentially wary fans, too. A traditional sleeveless jerseys can’t be worn everywhere, but a full shirt can. At $110 a pop, Warriors fans can now represent any time, anywhere.
The jerseys are available for pre-order on NBA.com and warriorsteamstore.com starting today.
And don’t worry, the sleeves – made with a certain fabric that stretches 360 degrees around the shoulder to give players full range of motion – won’t interfere with Steph Curry’s jump shot.
Last modified February 12, 2013 6:50 pm
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