Rate The Alternate Jerseys: NBA Southwest Division

If you follow this blog at all, which you probably don't, you would expect the next "Rate The Alternate Jersey" blog to be about an MLB division. However, after much deliberation, I decided to not include the MLB at this time, as each team has several alternate jerseys, some that aren't even very different from one another. Perhaps in the future I will take on the MLB's vast collection of alternate jerseys, but I feel it is not prudent at this juncture of my still very young bloghood.

Thank you,

Adam

P.S. - Oh, and let's do the NBA Southwest Division.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Originality: C

Aesthetic Appeal: B+

Overall Grade: B-

I had to give these new Mavs alternates a C for Originality simply because they are an exact copy of their previous green alternates, which were very original the first time. These lighter blue ones still look very good on the court, but not AS good as the old green ones. Still, I enjoy these jerseys, but I miss the old green ones.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Originality: B

Aesthetic Appeal: A

Overall Grade: A-

These jerseys are very original in their combination of old and new school Rockets colors and uniforms into one. They lose a little bit of Originality points, however, for looking a lot like the McDonald's High School All American jerseys. These jerseys look awesome on the court. I HATE the regular Rockets uniform set, and if you would have told me that they were making alternates that had the same basic layout with altered colors, I would have hated it on principle. But these jerseys are just awesome, and I write this as surprised as anyone.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Originality: C

Aesthetic Appeal: C-

Overall Grade: C-

These jerseys just don't work for me. I feel like the Jazz added an alternate of this exact color a few years ago, and as much as I hate to say it, they did it better. Rarely does striped, soccer style numbering and lettering work on non soccer jerseys, and this just doesn't work for me. Back to the drawing board, Memphis.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Originality: A+

Aesthetic Appeal: D+

Overall Grade: B-

These are not yet an "official" alternate jersey, and is just being used around Mardi Gras this year. However, there are rumors that these could become their official alternates soon. And I just couldn't resist an opportunity to analyze these. As far as originality goes, these are just A number one, as only New Orleans can make 'em. They are ugly, but almost purposefully so it makes them less ugly. They baffle me. I would probably be scared playing against a team ballsy enough to wear these in front of people. Wow.

And of course, the most boring team in professional sports, the black and white Spurs, have no alternate jersey. It would go against their code of "If it's cool, do the opposite". Way to go, San Antonio!