CBSSPORTS.com's Matt Moore noted the Pistons yesterday revealed a new alternate uniform as part of a "Motor City" branding effort, "complete with photos and an Instagram vid." The adidas jerseys, to be worn in 10 games during the '13-14 season, are navy blue and red with "Motor City" across the front. They represent the club's "first alternate look" since '04-05 (CBSSPORTS.com, 8/14). SI.com's Ben Golliver wrote the "City" theme is "one we've seen before in the NBA, most famously with the Warriors' iconic 'The City' jerseys but also with the Trail Blazers' recent 'Rip City' uniforms" (SI.com, 8/14).
SORRY FOR PARQUET ROCKING: ESPN BOSTON's Chris Forsberg reported new Celtics coach Brad Stevens sent letters to former players encouraging them to "remain in contact with the franchise." The letter read in part, "Please know that you are cordially welcome to attend our practice sessions, home games at the TD Garden, games when we are on the road and Celtics events in our community." Forsberg wrote it is a "thoughtful gesture" that helps Stevens "connect to the team's past." Stevens "appears to be trying to form relationships with those players that laid the foundation for the franchise" (ESPNBOSTON.com, 8/14).
BROOKLYN BRIDGES THE GAP: In N.Y., Tim Bontemps wrote Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov has brought about "dramatic change" since purchasing the team. Free agents are "choosing to play for the Nets over going other places." If all other things are equal, the Nets "now have the ability to tip the scales in their favor because they have become a desirable franchise to play for." The team has "seen their standing around the league soar to heights the franchise has never reached" (NYPOST.com, 8/13).
