The NBA has transitioned through brands like Wilson, Sand Knit (Champion), and Reebok. In 2015, Nike became the NBA’s official merchandise provider, launching its first 2017-18 season products. Nike’s impact has been significant, modernizing NBA gear while expanding the variety of jersey designs.
One of Nike’s standout contributions is the introduction of additional uniform combinations. Teams had only home, away, and one alternate jersey for years. Teams have multiple options today, giving fans more to look forward to. City Edition jerseys have gained popularity by capturing each franchise’s unique stories, writing history, and hue.
Since their introduction, the Detroit Pistons have had some impressive City Edition jerseys. That trend will continue with the recent leak of their 2024-25 City Edition design. Before diving into the new release, let’s look back and rank the Pistons’ best City Edition jerseys to date.
Pistons’ City Edition Jerseys: Celebrating Culture And History
3rd Best Pistons City Edition Jerseys: 75th Anniversary
Despite the Detroit Pistons’ recent struggles, the franchise has played a crucial role in the NBA’s growth, with some of basketball’s all-time greats passing through its ranks. Legends like Bob Lanier, Dennis Rodman, Grant Hill, and Ben Wallace wore the Pistons’ jersey, adding to the franchise’s rich legacy.
The Pistons unveiled jerseys that paid homage to this storied history during the 2021-22 season to commemorate their 75th anniversary. The design featured a red base for the jersey and shorts, accented by the team’s iconic blue and a touch of teal. The shorts included nods to past eras, showcasing the flaming horse logo from the 1990s and early 2000s and the lightning bolt logo from the late 1970s.
A patch on the bottom right corner of the jersey added even more significance. The numbers “89,” “90,” and “04” honor the Pistons’ three championship years. Above the patch, a white lightning bolt tied the jersey to the franchise’s historical evolution.
2nd Best: “Bad Boys” (Black Edition)
Few teams stirred as much controversy in the history of NBA champions as the “Bad Boy” Pistons. Competing during one of the most physical eras of basketball, the Pistons of the late 1980s took that physicality to another level. Led by Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer, they broke through with back-to-back championships, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989 and the Portland Trail Blazers in 1990.
The Pistons’ 2023-24 City Edition uniforms tribute that iconic era. With a bold color palette of black, orange, gray, and white, these jerseys capture the toughness of those teams. The orange side panels complement the black tops and shorts, which feature a white “Detroit” script, gray numbering, and white nameplates. The shorts showcase a modernized version of the classic Bad Boys logo, featuring a “crackled 313” design referencing the original skull and crossbones.
The jersey’s jock tag includes a “CD2” logo to honor Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly, who led the Pistons for nine seasons (1983-92), along with his signature, adding a personal touch to this homage to Detroit’s gritty basketball legacy.
The Best: St. Cecilia
In Detroit, no basketball venue holds more significance than the iconic St. Cecilia’s gym. Located near the Jeffries Freeway on the West Side, this gym is known as the “proving ground” for aspiring players. Legends like Magic Johnson, Dave Bing, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, and Earl Cureton all honed their skills here, with the gym launching countless careers in college and professional basketball.
During the 2022-23 season, the Detroit Pistons paid homage to this legendary venue with their St. Cecilia City Edition jerseys, designed by Detroit native Big Sean. The uniforms feature a striking green color, echoing the gym’s historic logo. The shorts are decorated with a replica of the gym’s famous stained-glass window, while white and blue stripes run down the sides. Adding to the design’s depth, the jersey’s anthem includes the iconic quote inscribed on St. Cecilia’s court floor: “Where stars are made, not born.” This powerful message features Big Sean’s signature, further strengthening its connection to Detroit’s culture.
A trio of stars on the jersey and shorts honors St. Cecilia’s legacy and the Pistons’ three championships.
The Leaked 2024-25 Pistons City Edition Jerseys
Continuing the tribute to the “Bad Boys” era, the leaked 2024-25 Pistons uniforms boldly replace the black with cream. The jerseys feature black and orange accents, with vertical orange stripes running down the sides. The numbers “89” and “90” are alternately displayed on the sides, referencing the Pistons’ back-to-back championships in those years.
The design presents two nods to Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly. His initials appear on a basketball at the bottom left of the front of the jersey, accompanied by the phrase “Back 2 Back.” Daly’s signature is featured just beneath the basketball, solidifying the tribute to the legendary coach.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons have a rich history on and off the court. Their City Edition jerseys reflect that legacy perfectly. These designs honor iconic venues like St. Cecilia’s gym. They also pay tribute to the “Bad Boys” era. Each jersey celebrates the spirit of Detroit basketball. With every new release, the Pistons connect with their past. They also engage a new generation of fans who carry the city’s pride forward. The 2024-25 season’s leaked design continues this tradition. It blends history with a fresh, bold look. For Pistons fans, these jerseys are more than just apparel. They symbolize a franchise rooted in resilience and greatness.
