This idea came to me while seeing a Magic Johnson jersey in public just now.
A few to disqualify off the bat:
Allen Iverson. Cool, but almost too cool - if that makes sense. It’s close to becoming like a Scarface poster.
Michael Jordan. I’d entertain an argument that it’s the true coolest. But frankly, it’s almost too easy. It’s the Beatles poster of jerseys.
Hakeem Olajuwon Raptors jersey. Legendary uni among hipsters. But let’s settle down.
Ben Simmons - even less cool than wearing Ocean Pacific clothing in middle school
Karl Malone - speaking of middle school
Okafor orange Bobcats jersey - not a contender but I respect the balls
Lakers Mikan jersey - oh stop it, you’re trying too hard.
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Some legit contenders:
Bill Walton Blazers (hell, or Celtics) uniform. Loveable, team-first player and a first-rate human. This also communicates high hoops-fan IQ
Larry Bird - what’s cooler than Larry Legend? If you haven’t viewed his YT highlights in a while go do yourself a favor - it’s otherworldly
Gary Payton SuperSonics - double whammy: an iconic player in an iconic AND retired uniform. Not much goes harder than Supersonics green and yellow.
Ryan Russillo XL sweatshirt - the sheer confidence and charisma needed to sport this stylish look is for only the elite few.
Manu Ginobili Spurs jersey - Batmanu
Jamal Mashburn Hornets jersey - the teal, the Mash, the era… mad cool all around
Penny Hardaway Magic, Grant Hill Pistons - Sick threads of sick players who were robbed of their extended prime.
Rudy Gay - You’re willing to discard what people think of you in order to promote inclusivity. “He can’t keep getting away with it!” — if you understand this reference, I love you. No - not like that!
Tim Duncan - to respect this historically outstanding and “uncool” player is, in actuality, extremely cool.
Bill Russell - you respect the history of the game and the trials of character this brave man underwent. There’s nothing “uncool” about this jersey - it’s holy.
Šarūnas Marčiulionis, No 13, Golden State Warriors. Aka the man who brought the Euro step to the NBA
Drazen nets jersey would be hard
Big Country Vancouver jersey
Shaq magic pinstripe jersey
Bulls #51 Ryan Arcidiacono
Purple 90s Suns. Green red striped Rodman bulls jersey. 90s Lakers Shaq yellow jersey. Green bucks Abdul jabbar.
Good question could go on with these but I like these 4.
My parents traveled to the USA’s 6 years ago (NY, Phila, Bos, Was) and they got me a new jersey for my collection.
6 years later and thanks to my great scouting abilities I have a Simmons city edition jersey because “I know he’s going to be the franchise player and a future Hall of Famer”
Education Reform Markieff Morris
Magic Johnson’s 1992 all star game jersey is the single coolest NBA jersey you can wear. Brings to mind a story of triumph after most had issued Magic a death sentence, a true last hoorah.
Allen Iverson Georgetown jersey.
Do you get bonus points if you’re wearing the Russilo sweatshirt but also completely nude from the waist down, obliterated level drunk and you’re performing this public activity having no idea where you are (due to said extreme drunkenness)? I say yes.
Jeremy Lin Knicks St. Patty’s Day Jersey
I think Big Sexy Bryant Reeves Vancouver Grizzlies teal jersey would be pretty sweet.
Shawn Kemp Sonics
Jason Williams Kings
Kevin Johnson Suns
Jalen Rose Nuggets
Juwan Howard Bullets
Stockton