The NBA Cup jerseys for all 30 NBA teams were unveiled early last week. While some teams are already doomed in their quest to earn the trophy in Las Vegas next month, there are five teams that can at least take home the very meaningful consolation prize: my approval of their special jersey.
If you’re one of these teams, congratulations. If you’re not, maybe call Nike and tell them to do better, because winning the NBA Cup in a mediocre (or even ugly) jersey is a predicament no team wants to be in.
1. Indiana Pacers
It’s a shame the Pacers are off to the worst start in franchise history, because that means the best NBA Cup jerseys of the bunch probably won’t be showcased as much as they should be this season.
Indiana Pacers 25-26' City Edition: a bold white-and-royal remix of classic ’70s, 80's and ’90s vibes, honoring legends and hyping the future.
Available now: https://t.co/k6UbKZ7k6d pic.twitter.com/iHRLHYqQC0
— Pacers Team Store (@PacersTeamStore) November 11, 2025
The white base is a nice change of pace among all of the solid color jerseys in this year’s lineup, and the retro font and blocking is the perfect callback to one of the most nostalgic looks in NBA history with a modern twist.
Hopefully, they bring these uniforms back in the future, when Tyrese Haliburton is healthy and the team actually has something meaningful to play for.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
You’ll notice a theme in these top three picks. I am nothing if not a sucker for nostalgia. While these aren’t necessarily a full 1980s redux like the Pacers’ jerseys are, the font and orange base is a refreshing reminder of the classic orange jerseys of the Mark Price and Brad Daugherty era.
🚨Here is the retail version of the Cavs city edition jersey for the 2025-26 season🚨
The softness of the orange is really speaking to me#LetEmKnow
(via @itstheshorts and @jerseyarchive) pic.twitter.com/SjNhYJfusX
— Jaylon Tyson Fan Club (@IsaacOkoroFan) November 6, 2025
The Cavaliers went with a lighter creamsicle font on these jerseys that works really well with the yellow accents on the shoulders, and the block numbers are substantial without being overbearing. When you combine this with the 2000s LeBron-era throwback the team also unveiled this year, Cleveland’s jersey lineup is almost as good as its team.
3. Toronto Raptors
These would be No. 1 off the strength of that modern iteration of the all-time classic Raptors logo, if only there was a little bit more going on colors wise. To be fair, the Raptors already have their purple throwback uniforms and they may have reached the all-time peak for the black jersey concept with last year’s release.
Steppin’ out in the City Edition jersey tonight 🦖 pic.twitter.com/dwdlXc47Mu
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 17, 2025
Still, the purple trim around the sleeves works well well and 90s-era pinstripes and retro number placement keeps it among the more unique looks in all of the league. The Raptors might just be a shoo-in on these lists for years to come between their reliance on crafty OVO branding and their nostalgic dino.
4. Charlotte Hornets
These jerseys, apparently inspired by Queen Charlotte’s favorite flower, remind me more of a sunset but they are still a firm contender for the best in the league this season.
The Charlotte Hornets 2025-26 City Edition jersey appears to have been leaked by an NBA 2K modder. 👀
(📸 @jerseyarchive) pic.twitter.com/FoxC2Tr3VE
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) October 29, 2025
The light orange gradient is a perfect match with the traditional Hornets blue and a royal-esque cursive logo that certainly seems like something our friend Queen Charlotte would have approved of.
Another underrated feature is the trim on the jersey and especially the shorts, which I would straight up wear as an everday clothing item. The addition of impressive rookie Kon Knueppel has the team playing some pretty inspired basketball as well, even if it isn’t resulting in many wins.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
The return of the Timberwolves’ all-time great Purple Rain jerseys that honor legendary Minnesotan Prince will always get my personal stamp of approval.
dearly beloved we are gathered here today….
FOR OUR CITY EDITION JERSEY LAUNCH. pic.twitter.com/uUnKCMRsSI
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 20, 2025
For the first time since 2018, which means the first time in the Anthony Edwards era, the T-Wolves will be representing one of the few Minneapolis products who has put on for the city as much as the transplant Edwards has in his short time there.
Maybe Edwards will stay in Minnesota for life and retire on Lake Minnetonka like Prince did, maybe even with a few rings on his fingers.
