The Golden State Warriors have taken a step forward in the gear arms race ... by adding sleeves.
The club unveiled "the first modern short sleeve NBA Uniform System" on Monday. The Warriors will debut this tight-fitting, yellow shirt against the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 22, a game to be broadcast on ESPN.
“Partnering with adidas on this new uniform demonstrates the Warriors’ commitment to innovation and the progressive culture of the Bay Area,” Golden State Warriors president and chief operating officer Rick Welts said in a press release available at the team's official website. “The jerseys complement our players’ style on the court, but are also a nod to the style of our fans and the spirit of the Bay Area – innovation is ingrained in our culture.”
Before you could say "suggested retail value," the NBA Store was offering up the shirt for purchase.
It remains to be seen if these short-sleeve jerseys are the wave of the future or merely a short-term cash grab like many of the alternate jerseys that teams mix in to their rotations. According to the team's press release, the jerseys will only be worn during two other games in the 2012-2013 season.
Although the initial reviews were mixed, the new look did at least drum up some attention for the club.
The golden state warriors are bringing out a New Jersey with sleeves on the 22nd. I think it looks fresh twitter.com/FRANK_T4NK/sta…
— Matthew C. Frank (@FRANK_T4NK) February 11, 2013
What do you think?
MORE FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors have unveiled plans to wear the NBA's "first modern short-sleeve jersey" for three of their remaining home games this season.
The Warriors announced Monday that they will debut the alternate uniforms at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 22. The team will also wear the jerseys for home games against Houston on March 8 and Chicago on March 15.
Adidas, the uniform-provider of the NBA, says the jerseys feature "the first-ever super lightweight stretch woven short with maximum ventilation for player comfort. The jersey includes armhole insets with 360-degree stretch fabric that facilitates free range of motion for the arms and shoulders."
Adidas hopes to unveil similar short-sleeve jerseys for other NBA teams next season.