Is there nostalgia in the air? Are we feeling like we need to go back to the good old times? Do you want to know what the best NBA throwback jerseys are? If your answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you are in the right place.
Very often we watch NBA games, or we have discussions about basketball with our friends, and we have flashbacks. We sometimes flashback to players that once played in different eras and the jerseys they donned. Sometimes we even visualize current players and wonder what they would look like in jerseys of the past.
This type of curiosity very often leads us to the desire to get something to hold onto that will make us feel closer to the past eras that we love so much. In this article, we are going to help you to figure out what to get to satisfy your curiosity and your nostalgic desires. We will be discussing the best NBA throwback jerseys that we can find.
If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for best NBA throwback jersey here.
Our Favorites for the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys
Our Favorites for the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys 
Eight-time All-Star and Hall-of-Famer Yao Ming wore this navy-blue Houston classic.
What Makes It Unique:
- Navy blue Baseline color scheme stands out against the other red jerseys in Houston’s catalog.
- Beautiful rocket artwork on the front of the Jersey that blends in wonderfully with the team’s name.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- You will be sure to stand out amongst the Rocket’s fan base wearing this unique piece with its detailed hems and beautifully embroidered graphics.
- The jersey is officially licensed and made with 100% comfortable polyester.
- Men's jersey. Runs true to size, Not loose
- Heat sealed applique graphics
- Officially licensed
Kevin Garnett Minnesota Timberwolves Swingman Throwback 1997-1998 Replica Jersey
Wearing this piece from The Big Ticket himself will definitely make you a big deal.
What Makes It Unique:
- This jersey has an eye-catching black color scheme with the first introduction of trees to the T-wolves Jersey catalog.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- This jersey does not only fit true to size but is also officially licensed and has beautiful blue-bordered heat-sealed graphics.
- Jump into your next stress ball session prepared in the Mitchell & Ness NBA Swingman Alternate Jersey 97 Kevin Garnett.
- Tree trimmed neckline and sleeves.
- 100% polyester.
- Machine wash cold, line dry.
- Sleeveless jersey construction.
Tracy McGrady Toronto Raptors Purple Throwback Jersey
This Raptor’s classic is arguably the GOAT of NBA jerseys.
What Makes It Unique:
- This beautiful purple color scheme pops in any crowd.
- Adidas’ climacool technology will keep you fresh while wearing this jersey for any activity.
- This beautiful masterpiece comes with embroidered dinosaur graphics.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- This one hundred percent comfortable polyester jersey fits perfectly well with its athletic cut style.
- Adult Sizes
- Embroidered Graphics
- 100% Polyester
- Climacool Technology
- Athletic Cut
The Runner-Ups for the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys
The Runner-Ups for the Best NBA Throwback JerseysThese jerseys are our runner-up pics but are definitely good enough to make any great list.
Steve Nash Phoenix Suns Black Throwback Jersey
Arguably the best Canadian NBA player to date, Steve Nash, wore this jersey between 1996- 1998.
What Makes It Unique:
- Everything looks better in black, and this Phoenix piece is no exception. The black background allows the Sun’s sun to pop.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- The beautiful Drop-tail hem and embroidered colored graphics make this piece a must-have.
- Mitchell And Ness Nash Black Suns #13 Swingman Jersey Black XL
Ray Allen Milwaukee Bucks Throwback Jersey
Fear the Deer! Want to be like… Jesus? Arguably the best shooter of all time, Ray Allen, AKA Jesus Shuttlesworth, wore this jersey after he began his career in Milwaukee.
What Makes It Unique:
- Well this purple white and the Green Piece is definitely a masterpiece in any era. This jersey’s color scheme is one of the most eye-catching in the history of the NBA.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- This Jersey is officially licensed by the NBA and comes with heat pressed tackle twill graphics.
- 100% polyester
- Made by Mitchell & Ness
- Officially licensed
- Heat pressed tackle twill graphics
- Child sizes
Dennis Rodman Chicago Bulls NBA Throwback Swingman Jersey - Black
After being traded to the Chicago Bulls at age 34, Dennis Rodman won a rebounding title while wearing this iconic black with red pinstripes jersey.
What Makes It Unique:
- All inscriptions on this jersey have been sewn on including the player’s name, the team’s name, and all relevant tags.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- This timeless classic is an Adidas official NBA product with the relevant tags to prove it.
- Mens Sizing +2 Length
- Adidas Style number 7484A
- Sewn on single layer
The Value Pick for the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys
The Value Pick for the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys
Adidas David Robinson San Antonio Spurs Black Throwback Swingman Jersey
San Antonio Spurs, Hall-of-Famer, The Admiral, David Robinson is no joke, and neither is his jersey.
What Makes It Unique:
- This 100% polyester Adidas fully detailed Masterpiece has both the primary and secondary team colors.
- Player name and team name are both stitched on.
Why Choose This NBA Throwback Jersey:
- Stand out amongst Spurs fans by wearing the jersey of arguably the greatest Spurs player ever. The Admiral won basically every award from Rookie of the Year to MVP.
- Swingman Jersey
- Throwback Player
- Primary and Secondary Team Colors
- Stitched Team and Player Name
- 100% Polyester
FAQ on NBA Throwback Jerseys
What are the Most Popular NBA Throwback Jerseys?
Oh wow, there are so many to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic and commonly worn throwback jerseys in NBA history.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves 1996- 2008
The T-wolves made eight straight postseasons while wearing this jersey, including one Western Conference finals. So, who made NBA jerseys in 1996? That honor went to Champion. When we think of this jersey, the first player that comes to mind is The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett.
This jersey for the Timberwolves was the first to be adorned with trees around the edges. The three colors that these jerseys came in were full white, full blue, and full black.
2. Memphis Grizzlies 1995-2000
This Grizzlies throwback jersey is one of their most beautiful ones going back to their days in Vancouver. In August of 2019, the Grizzlies celebrated their 25th anniversary by breaking out Grizzly’s throwback jerseys and court in the style of the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 90s. Their young star Ja Morant put on a show with 26 points and 6 assists in his first game wearing the throwback beauties.
- Men's jersey. Runs true to size
- Heat sealed applique graphics
- Officially licensed
- Embroidered upper chest logo
- Made by Mitchell & Ness
Many people will say this is their favorite NBA jersey of all time. This is the second Canadian team on our list that entered the league with a bang. First, the Vancouver Grizzlies with their Grizzly on their shorts and now the Raptors with the Raptor on their shirt. These jerseys were pure genius.
- Heat-sealed graphics, player name and number
- Officially licensed
- NBA Hardwood Classics
- Ribbed, striped round neck collar and arm openings
4. Milwaukee Bucks, stag alternate 1995- 1999
These jerseys are both beautiful and scary at the same time. The Bucks could not have asked for anything more. This epic combination of colors is the embodiment of art, entertainment, and functionality.
- Mitchell And Ness Allen Green Bucks #34 Swingman Jersey Green XL
Which NBA Teams Have the Best or Most Popular Throwback Jerseys?
When you think of the NBA teams with the best or most popular throwback NBA jerseys, two teams really stand out. We’d say the Los Angeles Lakers are on top followed by the Chicago Bulls. The Los Angeles Lakers top of the list because of their popular Superstars over the past decades. When we say superstars, we are talking about greats like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Chicago Bulls may not have as many famous superstar players. However, they have arguably the most popular player of all. Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan’s jersey sales single-handedly can put the Chicago Bulls jersey sales on any list. Michael Jordan has the highest top selling jersey of all time in the NBA.
How Can You Tell if NBA Throwback Jerseys are Authentic or Fake?
We strongly recommend that you purchase all your jerseys from authorized NBA dealers. If you are purchasing your jerseys from dealers that are not authorized, here are a few tips that you can use to tell if your jerseys are real or fake.
Tags
The size tag is the most obvious way to tell if a jersey is real or not. The top of the tag should be black, and the bottom should have a narrow silver part. The size should only show as numeric on the tag.
Materials
Real jerseys usually have the words and graphics stitched on to the jersey and not cheaply heat pressed. The polyester blend used to make authentic jerseys usually makes the jerseys smooth to the touch while fake jerseys usually are coarse.
Why are NBA Throwback Jerseys so Expensive?
There are several reasons why NBA throwback jerseys are generally expensive. There are multiple categories of NBA authorized jerseys. However, they are all usually quite pricey. The first category of jerseys would be those deemed as authentic.
Authentic jerseys usually are of similar make as those worn in games by players. The extra material that’s quite a struct in these jerseys along with the attention to detail that goes into the production of these jerseys will make them quite expensive. The Star level of the player will also help to determine the price to jersey is retailed for. As you can imagine, Superstars jerseys will always sell at higher prices compared to that of average players.
Sometimes but there are all the factors such as the player’s performance for a stretch of games example, “Linsanity,” that will trigger a rise in prices and sales of a particular jersey. The next tier or category of jerseys would it be the Swingman Jersey. The swingman is quite similar to the authentic jerseys and is priced in the mid-range. Swingman jerseys are generally between $85 to $150. Swingman jerseys also have good quality, so they are quite durable.
The next type of jersey would be replicas. Replicas are not fakes. They are authorized NBA jerseys. Unfortunately, the quality of replica jerseys is not the same as Authentics and Swingmans. These jerseys are normally a little thinner and made with less material and a little less detail than Authentic and Swingman jerseys.
Replicas are priced more affordably, but compared to other sportswear that are not basketball jerseys, they are still considered as expensive, ranging between $60- $80. There are also specifically designed throwback jerseys that are made in close comparison to the area they represent.
These throwback jerseys have a lot of detail and are made from great quality materials. As a result, their price range is also very high. They range upwards of $100. All in all, the materials, the player’s performance, the demand for the jersey, sometimes the teams they are affiliated with, and some external factors can influence the price that jerseys are sold at.
How to Choose the Best NBA Throwback Jerseys for You?
To choose what NBA throwback jersey is best for you, you will need to ask yourself one simple question. Why do you want to buy an NBA throwback jersey?
The answer to this question will help you to decide which one to get. Are you purchasing the throwback jersey to impress your friends that are fans of the same team?
Are you buying the NBA throwback jersey so that you can add to your collection of memorabilia? Do you want to impress the guys at your local park the next time you go to play? Are you buying the jersey so that you can go to the game wearing a jersey that a great has worn? Are you buying a jersey just for the artistry?
Whatever your reason for buying the jersey, there is always going to be a great choice available for you.
We are showing you our favorites, but once you decide which one from the list is your favorite or which one suits your needs the most, then that’s the one you should buy. If your favorite jersey is not on our list, no problem. Go ahead and get it because it’s your favorite.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best NBA Throwback Jerseys
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
We compiled our list today based on the jerseys that appeal to us visually and based on the players that captured our hearts while wearing them. This combination led us to a few great ones, wouldn’t you agree?
Over the decades, so many amazing athletes have blessed us with their talents and genius on the court, and so many amazing designers have clothed them with some amazing jerseys. We are truly blessed to have access to these to purchase and relive our glory days. Choose your favorites based on your criteria.
There are so many great jerseys out there, and our list has the best of the best. With this list, you just can’t go wrong when choosing the best NBA throwback jersey.
Until next time ballers, throw on a throwback and throwback some memories.
Need help on how to wash your basketball swingman jerseys? Check out our guide here.
Check out our other basketball gear reviews here.
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