Discover the Top 10 New NBA Jerseys for the 2019-20 Season
As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA merchandise releases, I can’t help but feel that familiar rush of excitement. The 2019-20 season brought with it a fresh wave of jersey designs, and I’ve spent a good chunk of my time as a basketball analyst and longtime fan digging into the details. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how a team’s jersey can reflect its identity, aspirations, and even the culture being built behind the scenes. This season, in particular, felt special—partly because of the stunning aesthetics, but also because of the stories woven into each design. One quote that really stuck with me came from a player interview, where the athlete emphasized, "Isa naman 'yung goal namin is 'yung manalo. Kung ano 'yung gusto ni Coach LA sa amin, embrace namin 'yun kasi malaki ang respect namin kay Coach LA." That mindset—unity, respect, and a shared goal to win—resonates deeply with what these jerseys represent. They’re not just fabric; they’re symbols of a team’s journey.
Let’s kick things off with the Los Angeles Lakers’ "Icon Edition" jersey. Honestly, this one was an instant classic in my book. The rich purple and gold colorway isn’t just iconic—it’s timeless. I remember watching their first game in these, and the way the gold accents popped under the arena lights was breathtaking. The Lakers have always blended tradition with innovation, and this jersey, featuring slightly updated typography and a cleaner cut, felt like a nod to both their legacy and their future. With LeBron James leading the charge, it’s no surprise this design flew off shelves. I’d estimate sales hit around 550,000 units in the first month alone, though I’d need to double-check the exact figures. Still, it’s clear fans connected with it, much like the players connect with their coach’s vision, embracing every detail for the sake of victory.
Next up, the Golden State Warriors’ "Statement Edition" really caught my eye. The bold, dark blue base with striking yellow accents gave off a powerful, almost intimidating vibe. I’ve always felt that the Warriors’ jerseys mirror their playstyle—dynamic and unapologetic. This design, in my opinion, was a step up from previous seasons, incorporating subtle patterns that hint at the Bay Area’s bridge motifs. When I think about that player quote—"embrace namin 'yun kasi malaki ang respect namin kay Coach LA"—it reminds me how Golden State’s squad operates. They buy into their system, respect their leadership, and it shows on the court. Wearing this jersey, you can’t help but feel part of that drive to win, which probably explains why it ranked among the top three best-sellers, moving roughly 480,000 jerseys by mid-season.
Now, the Philadelphia 76ers’ "Association Edition" deserves a shout-out for its sleek, minimalist approach. The pure white background with crisp blue and red details felt refreshingly clean. As someone who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, I appreciate when teams don’t overcomplicate things. This jersey, in my view, symbolizes the 76ers’ focus and discipline—traits that align perfectly with that idea of embracing a coach’s strategy out of respect. I’d guess sales were around 300,000, though I might be off by a few thousand. What stood out to me, though, was how it complemented their court presence, making players like Joel Embiid look even more dominant during key matchups.
Moving on, the Milwaukee Bucks’ "City Edition" was an absolute masterpiece. Inspired by Milwaukee’s vibrant art scene, it featured a wild, colorful pattern that broke from traditional NBA aesthetics. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—it’s a daring departure—but it grew on me fast. It embodies the Bucks’ fearless attitude, much like how the players in that quote trust their coach’s guidance without hesitation. Giannis Antetokounmpo rocking this jersey during his MVP-caliber season? Pure magic. I’d estimate it sold about 400,000 units, and honestly, it’s one of my personal favorites from the list. The way it blends local culture with team pride is something I wish more franchises would attempt.
Then there’s the Boston Celtics’ "Classic Edition," which felt like a warm hug for traditionalists. The classic green and white scheme, with those timeless shamrock accents, never goes out of style. As a fan, I’ve always loved how the Celtics honor their history, and this jersey does just that. It’s understated yet powerful, mirroring the team’s no-nonsense approach to the game. When I hear that quote about respecting the coach and embracing the goal to win, I think of Boston’s locker room—unified and focused. Sales-wise, I’d ballpark it at 350,000 jerseys, but what really matters is how it reinforces their identity season after season.
The Miami Heat’s "Vice Nights" jersey, though, was a showstopper. That black and pink color scheme? Absolutely killer. It’s bold, it’s trendy, and it screams Miami’s nightlife. I remember seeing it debut and thinking, "This is how you make a statement." In my experience, jerseys like this do more than just look good—they build hype. The Heat have always been about flair, and this design captures that perfectly. It’s no wonder it sold around 450,000 units, and I’d argue it’s one of the most Instagrammable jerseys of the decade. Plus, it ties back to that idea of unity; when players wear something this distinctive, it fosters a sense of belonging, much like how they rally around their coach’s plans.
On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors’ "OVO Edition" brought a cool, collaborative edge. Partnering with Drake’s October’s Very Own brand, it featured a sleek black and gold design that oozed sophistication. As someone who’s visited Toronto during game nights, I can say the energy in the arena when these jerseys are worn is electric. It’s a testament to how sports and culture can merge seamlessly. I’d estimate sales hit 320,000, and in my opinion, it’s a prime example of a jersey that boosts team morale—akin to how players embrace their roles out of respect, as highlighted in that quote.
The Houston Rockets’ "Statement Edition" took a more futuristic approach, with a deep red and silver scheme that felt like it was ripped from a sci-fi flick. I’ve always been drawn to designs that push boundaries, and this one did just that. It reflects the Rockets’ fast-paced, three-heavy gameplay, and honestly, I think it helped them stand out in a crowded league. Sales probably reached 280,000, though I’m basing that on industry chatter. What I love most is how it underscores innovation, much like how a team innovates under a respected coach’s guidance to chase wins.
Lastly, the Chicago Bulls’ "Icon Edition" and the Dallas Mavericks’ "City Edition" round out my top ten. The Bulls’ red and black combo is forever iconic—it’s simple, fierce, and reminds me of the Jordan era. Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ design, with its skyline motifs, felt like a love letter to Dallas. I’d guess the Bulls sold 380,000 jerseys, while the Mavericks moved about 310,000. In the end, though, it’s not just about numbers. These jerseys, like the players who wear them, are part of a bigger picture—one where respect, unity, and the relentless pursuit of victory define the game.
Wrapping up, the 2019-20 NBA jerseys weren’t just about style; they were about identity and cohesion. From the Lakers’ timeless elegance to the Heat’s bold statements, each design told a story that echoed that player’s insight: when a team embraces their leader’s vision with deep respect, winning becomes more than a goal—it becomes a shared journey. As a fan and analyst, I’ll always look back on this season as a highlight in jersey history, and I’m eager to see how future designs continue to capture that spirit.