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Raptors introduce Nike City Jerseys

By Koby Palimaka

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: The mascot of the Toronto Raptors, The Raptor, speaks to Singer Drake during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on October 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: The mascot of the Toronto Raptors, The Raptor, speaks to Singer Drake during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on October 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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More Raptors uniforms – oh joy! This time Nike is celebrating each city, and in Toronto’s case, they have focused on Drake.

Nike has officially released their “City” jerseys which will be used as an alternative uniform. The jerseys were created with the idea of “celebrating elements of the league’s 30 franchises,” according to Nike. They are being rolled out to show appreciation to the fans for their passion and loyalty.

The city jerseys are the 4th and final jersey that Nike has released this year. They have released: The Association(Home), The Icon(Away), The Statement(The Athletes Mindset) and The City(The Community)

The Raptors will utilize their black-and-gold OVO colours, keeping it plain and simple by printing the word “ NORTH” across the chest. Although the jersey itself is far from a standout compared to the rest of the jerseys unveiled this year, I’m certain that over time fans will buy into it.

My thoughts on the jersey are that the Raptors have succeeded in comparison to the majority of the other “City” jerseys. A lot of teams opted for a gray-plus-primary colour scheme which just turned out horrid.

The Raptors simplistic approach will keep fans aesthetically pleased. Even so, the jersey lacks a lot to be desired when compared with the various other Raptor jerseys such as the Purple throwback and the “Huskies” jerseys.

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The choice of going with the OVO colours will probably once again raise complaints in the Toronto market as fans have rendered mixed reviews over the colour choices in the past. This also stems from the issue that Toronto is completely basing an entire set on Drake and OVO, neither of which have any relation to basketball.

TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 08: Jonas Valanciunas
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 08: Jonas Valanciunas /

All in all, I believe the Raptors and Nike did a mediocre job while designing this jersey. They should have steered clear of using the OVO colours, and gone to a retro look having bright colours like the Pelicans or the Jazz. Alternatively, they should have stayed with the “Huskies” jerseys as those were a massive success. The “Huskies” also celebrated the heritage and culture of the team.

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