The Hornets’ new uniform rollout yesterday did not include a version of the original pinstripes-and-pleats design from the late '80s, but Exec VP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Pete Guelli "dropped a big hint" that the classic uniforms could "still be in play" for the '17-18 season, according to Bonnell & Peralta of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Guelli: "We have a history of listening to our fans, so we’re looking forward to the next two versions coming out." He added that the team will "release the two additional new jersey designs for the upcoming season sometime later this summer." The black, cap-sleeved “Buzz City” uniforms "could be among those" as well. The Hornets did unveil "new white and teal uniform designs that differ little cosmetically from the look they introduced" for the '14-15 season. But they will be the "only NBA team -- and the only pro team in the U.S., in fact -- to have a 'Jordan Brand' logo on the right-hand side of their jerseys." For now, the "biggest change is fans will see far more of the teal uniforms at home games." Guelli said that teal has been "by far the most popular of the three Hornets uniform colors, above white and purple versions, as measured by jersey sales at the Spectrum Center." Fans can "start buying new replica jerseys and other Hornets apparel with the Jordan 'Jumpman' logo in late September" (
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/1). ESPN.com's Paul Lukas wrote it will be "clearer than ever this season" that the Hornets "are Michael Jordan's team" (
ESPN.com, 7/31).
