The latest Phoenix Suns jersey has caught the eyes of veteran NBA fans. As some of us might be aware, each NBA franchise has a certain number of jerseys that they alternate based on factors such as home games or away games. The jersey is also changed based on whether the opposing team is wearing the same color in order to prevent confusion amongst fans, referees, or even the players themselves.
Sometimes a franchise also changes jersey styling or color in order to keep up with the changing times. Although the franchise colors remain the same, there will always be minute or major changes noticeable with the passing of each generation.
With that being said, fans should certainly want to know more about the Suns’ latest jersey. After all, some of their favorite stars such as Kevin Durant will likely be repping the new colors next season. Therefore, we should take a closer look.
The Phoenix Suns bring back their iconic “Sunburst” jerseys
Although the franchises usually move towards newer trends while deciding their new jersey for the season, the Suns appear to have gone in a different direction and are bringing back a popular theme from the 1980s and 1990s that is now forgotten. Only veteran NBA fans will remember the iconic Sunburst jerseys that former Suns stars such as Charles Barkley adorned during their time with the team.
Phoenix’s original “Sunburst” jerseys first debuted for the 1992-93 season, after new team owner Jerry Colangelo pushed for a new look.
“I want to create something modern and bold to reflect the nature of the new arena and the growth of Phoenix,” Colangelo said in 1992. pic.twitter.com/l8thchFrC9
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 1, 2023
The most eye-catching aspect of this jersey is the beams radiating from the sun, or to be more accurate, the basketball in Phoenix’s uniform. Since this looked quite old-fashioned, the modern-day Suns’ jersey removed the Sunburst and went with a more sleek look.
FIRST LOOK: The Phoenix Suns will wear modernized “Sunburst” unis next season. 🔥
The purple “Icon” and white “Association” jerseys pull cues from the team’s iconic 1993 Finals jerseys design and will be the Suns’ primary uniform for the 2023-24 NBA season. pic.twitter.com/8Xv5XdoqAC
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 1, 2023
Although Kevin Durant wasn’t present for the most recent photoshoot revealing the jerseys, we got to see other Suns stars, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker display their new threads for next season. Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein also sent out a message describing the importance and value of this iconic jersey.
“The sunburst is an iconic design that is one of the most popular among Suns fans; it represents some of the most defining moments in our team’s history…These new uniforms seamlessly blend the nostalgia of the past with the excitement of the future as we begin the next great era of Suns basketball.”
The Suns polled fans ahead of last year’s 30th anniversary season of the “Sunburst” design, and looked to layer in the graphic into its newest jerseys.
“The sunburst is an iconic design that is one of the most popular among Suns fans; it represents some of the most defining… pic.twitter.com/Lq0Ws95Hi5
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 1, 2023
We look forward to viewing the Suns’ roster in this memorable jersey next season. Hopefully, they are finally able to bring the franchise the honor of winning an NBA championship with this talented team.
