The Minnesota Timberwolves announced they will reintroduce their iconic “trees” uniform for the upcoming NBA season, igniting excitement among fans. This throwback jersey first hit the ice during the 1996-97 season. It has unique tree house cut trim and a Timberwolves font that is said to bring memories of the Count Chocula logo to fans. The team revealed the new uniform will first be worn during their season opener at home on October 26 against the Indiana Pacers.
The “trees” uniform is iconic for its trippy design and nostalgic importance. The Timberwolves ushered in a golden age playing in those jerseys. They reached the playoffs for eight straight years, cementing their legendary status. A black alternate version of the uniform was released two years later, cementing it even more into Timberwolves history.
The opportunity to bring this well-loved uniform back to life comes directly from passionate fan response. New majority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, for example, have hardly been silent about their own intentions to improve the fan experience. In the process of meeting supporters in Minnesota ahead of their adoption, they were listening to the pleas to restore the “trees.”
“When we first got here, everyone wanted to bring the glory days back,” – Alex Rodriguez
Throughout the “trees” period, no player was more important than Kevin Garnett, who went on to win MVP and dominated all opponents in potentially that jersey. Led by the coaching of Flip Saunders, the T-Wolves made it to their first and only Western Conference Finals in the 2003-04 season. This era is unassailable, even for many non-Mariners fans. Young adults in particular will fondly recall seeing the team reach historic moments decked out in this uniform.
Mike Grahl, chief marketing officer for the Timberwolves and Lynx, emphasized the importance of responding to fan sentiments regarding team uniforms.
“We’ve got some uniforms in our closet that fans love,” – Mike Grahl
He further noted that the “trees” uniform really is eye-catching because of its bold design. It hits a nostalgic nerve with fans, transporting them back to glory days and their favorite memories of former victory. Few would disagree that jersey to be one of the best duds in NBA history.
“And that is not just a cool uniform for the Timberwolves. I think it’s one of the cool jerseys over the last few decades in the NBA. They’re just classic. You see ’em when they rank a lot of throwbacks. That’s one of the ones that always comes up top five. So our fans are very proud of them,” – uncredited source
That one touch of the “trees” uniform is what makes it so different and special in the league. Rodriguez emphasized its personality and uniqueness, pointing out that no other NBA uniform uses its design.
“There’s no other uniform in the NBA that’s designed in that way. The character that it has and the uniqueness that it has, I think fans have significant energy for and they hold onto that in lore,” – uncredited source
Rodriguez announced intentions to reintroduce popular old-school jerseys. He even foreshadowed some surprise fun for fans at games, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to enhancing the overall fun of the game day experience.
“And also we’ll be having some more surprises in-arena and uniform stuff. But hearing the fans loud and clear is very important to us and we’re trying to deliver exactly what they want,” – Alex Rodriguez
Leave a Reply