In this segment, we will discuss comparisons between throwback logos and uniforms, and 'fu-backs', or the throwbacks revived in a contemporary sense. The suffix 'fu' stands for future, if you don't know. Our next feature focuses on the Chicago Bulls.
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| The first incarnation of the current Bulls uniforms debuted in 1985, and stayed until 1992. Note the reflected light on the silk-screened uniform. |
The Bulls' jerseys have remained virtually the same since it debuted in 1985. Basically the front of the jersey, home or away, were untouched. However, the back of it have shown substantial changes, such as two-toned and serifed player names in 1992, and the addition of the angry Bulls logo in 2004. The uniforms also paved the way for the successful Bulls dynasty of the 1990s.
Most NBA teams in the 1980s use silk-screen printing on their uniforms, and the Bulls were no exception. When they debuted their current uniforms, they kept the back of the uniform intact, but made the numbers in front larger and centered. On the home uniforms, the Bulls wordmark was modified to appear enlarged and in a straighter arch. On the away uniforms, the 'Chicago' cursive wordmark was replaced by the said 'Bulls' wordmark. The very first season of the new uniforms saw Michael Jordan score a playoff single-game record 63 points in a playoff game at Boston.
The uniforms were also worn when Jordan made the game-winning playoff shot at Cleveland in 1989, and then followed with a 69-point effort the next year. In the final two seasons of this incarnation, the Bulls won their first two NBA championships in 1991 and 1992.
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| Derrick Rose wearing the current Bulls jerseys, now in the Adidas Revolution 30 cut. |
Before the 1992-93 season, the Bulls made minor changes to their uniforms. They no longer use silk-screen printing; instead they returned to the traditional sewing method. The players' names are now serifed and color-trimmed accordingly. This incarnation would remain during the Bulls' final two seasons at Chicago Stadium, and their subsequent move to the United Center in 1994. The Bulls won the next four NBA titles in this incarnation, including a record 72 victories in the 1995-96 season.
Prior to the 2004-05 season, the Bulls made another minor addition to their uniform. They added the Bulls logo atop the back side of the uniform. Though the Michael Jordan era was behind them, the uniforms remain popular among fans. Today, the uniform is manufactured in the current Adidas Revolution 30 cut, which is lighter in weight and production than previous uniforms. And the Bulls return to winning form the past two seasons, mainly due to the All-Star exploits of Chicago native Derrick Rose.
The Bulls also introduced black alternate uniforms during their 72-win 1995-96 season. Initially it was a stripped-down version of the regular Bulls uniforms (no diamond, pinstripes added), but in 1997 the pinstripes were removed, and then the city name marked its return before the 1999-2000 season. The Bulls logo was added on the back of the uniforms before the 2003-04 season, and then the red diamond was added before the 2006-07 season. With minor changes, the Bulls continue to wear the alternates on select road dates, but they have never worn them in postseason play.
A green version of the road uniforms debuted before the 2005-06 season, and were worn on St. Patrick's week during March. Other than the Bulls logo keeping its red color, the uniform is all green. A Latin-flavored version of their red uniforms are also worn during the month; the only change was 'Los Bulls' in front. They were worn as part of the NBA's Noche Latina program, which has been in place since 2007.
The Bulls' iconic uniforms have not only brought them success, but also recognition and approval. Perhaps no one can change the Bulls' classic look, not even in a period of modernization and progress. Whether clamoring for the throwback or the fu-back, the Bulls' uniforms will remain attached in the hearts of Bulls fans forever. However, what is my say here?
The winner: Fu-back. Makes it more recognizable with the Bulls logo on the uniform and shorts, thus it is more identifiable with fans.
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