All Hornets

Ranking the top five Hornets alternate jerseys of the last decade

What's the best Hornets alternate jersey in recent memory?
Colin Keane|
Oct 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) calls a play as he brings the ball up court against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) calls a play as he brings the ball up court against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

When it comes to grading the Charlotte Hornets' alternate uniforms over the past decade, it's impossible to ignore the timeless beauty of Charlotte's throwback pinstriped uniforms based on the original 1988 design.

That being said, the Hornets have rolled out a couple of clean, modern alternates that also made their way onto this list.

Top five Hornets alternate jerseys of the last decade

5. 2018-19 City Edition

The 2018-19 City Edition uniform was a superior sequel to the 2017-18 City Edition, and it is arguably the freshest "Buzz City" jersey the franchise has ever released.

By removing all white from the uniform design, Jordan Brand arrived at a sleek, simple, and understated jersey that stood out among other City Editions across the NBA that season.

Former Charlotte Hornets guard Tony Parker
Nov 19, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tony Parker (9) talks with referee Aaron Smith in the second half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images | Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

This is also the best black jersey the Hornets have ever made. The teal font and trim really pops, and the gray pattern on the sides of the jersey resembles the wings of a hornet in a way that isn't obnoxious or outlandish.

This uniform is classy and cool, and it's clear that the designers understood the value of not overthinking or overcomplicating the aesthetic.

4. 2019-20 City Edition

The 2019-20 City Edition uniform was a groundbreaking release for the Hornets in two ways. This was the first (and so far, the only) gray uniform in team history. Alongside the Statement Edition uniform from that season, it also marked the first time a Hornets uniform employed the "CHA" chest plate.

The Hornets referred to the color of this uniform as "cool gray", and that was an apt description. The hue was quite pleasing, and the teal and purple trim around the collar and sleeves was tasteful.

Former Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington
Jan 4, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington (25) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The "cell" pattern on the side of the uniform could have been less synthetic-looking, but the logo further down on the shorts was a great touch. Choosing to make the numbers white was the final stroke of genius for this uniform.

3. 2019-20 Classic

The Hornets franchise was founded in 1988, but the iconic purple uniform didn't arrive until 1994. The 2019-20 Classic uniform was an obvious homage to that jersey, and it didn't miss the mark.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which is why Jordan Brand was smart to release a nearly identical uniform to the 1994 version.

Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson
Dec 29, 2019; Memphis, Tennessee, USA;Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) goes to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Zeller (40) during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-Imagn Images | Justin Ford-Imagn Images

It's tough to pull off purple as a professional sports team, but these Hornets uniforms do as well as anything else, the Sacramento Kings included. What ties everything together are the multi-color pinstripes accentuating the uniform top, a design which also features in the two other classic Hornets masterpieces.

2. 2023-24 Classic

The 2023-24 Classic uniform is a brilliant design because it combines elements of the original 1988-89 away uniform and the 1997-98 away uniform, and it is arguably a more attractive jersey than both.

The Hornets paid direct homage to the 1988-89 uniform with the 2017-18 Classic uniform, but the 2023-24 Classic incorporates the purple collar and sides that worked so well with the 1997-98 version.

Former Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams
Oct 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) stands on the court during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

You rarely see a team revamp an old uniform and outdo the original, but this might be the best-looking teal jersey the Hornets have ever put on an NBA court.

1. 2018-19 Classic

Speaking of Hornets pinstripes, nowhere do they pop more than on the white surface of the 2018-19 Classic uniform, which, of course, is a direct reference to the franchise's original home jerseys.

Besides being easy on the eyes, the 2018-19 Classic (a mirror image of the original model) remains one of the boldest and most unique uniform designs in league history.

Former Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk
Oct 17, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk (1) drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo (9) during the first half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

When you think of the Charlotte Hornets brand, you immediately think of teal and pinstripes. However, the beauty of the original white uniform design (away jersey) is that it incorporates those two elements in a more nuanced color scheme than the home design, creating a jersey that is all at once adventurous, fashionable, and elegant.

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Colin Keane
COLIN KEANE

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for "UConn Huskies On SI." Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "UConn Huskies On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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