In anticipation of the 20th season of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, the Timberwolves today unveiled new home and road uniforms for the upcoming 2008-09 NBA season. The new-look uniforms, designed in partnership by the team, adidas and the NBA, were displayed publicly for the first time today at the IDS Center's Crystal Court at noon.
"As with our recent re-designed logo, our new uniforms usher in a new era of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "Working with adidas and the NBA, we were able to design uniforms that display the energy, excitement and passion of Timberwolves basketball. These qualities complement our developing group of exciting players as well as embody the characteristics of our entire franchise."
The Timberwolves home uniform's primary color will remain white. The wordmark, which has been modified slightly to provide more clarity, returns to the abbreviated "Wolves" across the chest rather than the previously depicted "Timberwolves." The abbreviated wordmark "Wolves" is a return to the team's original uniform design introduced during the franchise's first season in 1989-90.
"The Timberwolves new identity marries classic basketball style with innovative updates to their core brand," said Christopher Arena, NBA Vice President - Apparel, Sporting Goods & Basketball Partnerships. "The unique side and neck inserts, tree-lined night sky revealing the M and W letters and defined shapes express their new found ferocity, while maintaining a traditional basketball look."
This is the third different uniform design in Timberwolves history. The previous uniform change occurred prior to the start of the 1996-97 season. The Wolves' uniform design had remained unchanged for 12 seasons. The new jerseys are now available for fans to pre-order online at www.ShopWolves.com.
At today's program, the Timberwolves also unveiled a 15-foot high replica jersey that will travel throughout the state at team events and will be signed by Wolves fans. The jersey will be hung from the rafters of Target Center on Opening Night in celebration of the start of the team's 20th season. Fans will have their next opportunity to sign the jersey beginning Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Timberwolves booth at the Minnesota State Fair.
Today's introduction of the new uniforms is the latest step in the re-branding campaign of the Timberwolves as the team approaches its 20th season. The Wolves introduced a re-designed primary and new secondary logo earlier this summer.TIMBERWOLVES NEW UNIFORM HIGHLIGHTSHome uniforms
· Primary color remains white
· Wordmark on front changes from "Timberwolves" to "Wolves"
· The Timberwolves trees appear on the side of the uniform under the arms and on the side of the shorts
· Wolf head logo on back of neck
· Wordmark "Minnesota" now appears on the back of the shortsRoad Uniforms
· Primary color remains slate blue
· Wordmark on front changes from "Timberwolves" to "Minnesota"
· The Timberwolves trees appear on the side of the uniform under the arms and on the side of the shorts
· Wolf head logo on back of neck
· Wordmark "Wolves" now appears on the back of the shorts