Custom Throwback Phoenix Suns Jerseys
Over the years, the Phoenix Suns have worn various uniform designs. From their classic "sunburst" throwbacks to the retro expansion "western font" uniforms to any of the blindingly orange kits throughout the years, they have consistently shown creativity.
The purple and orange color scheme has remained a longtime staple for the Suns, and their white home uniforms incorporate the colors. Their uniforms haven't changed that often in the grand scheme of things, though some slight color scheme changes have been included along the way.
The Suns wore only two uniforms from 1968 through 2000: the Western Expansion sets and the Sunburst look. They were successful during their first seasons in the 60s and early 70s thanks to players such as "the Original Sun" Dick Van Arsdale and future Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins.
For the Suns, 1975-76 was a pivotal season. Offseason trades included the acquisition of Paul Westphal, a member of the Boston Celtics' 1974 championship team, in exchange for former All-Star Charlie Scott. The team also selected center Alvan Adams from Oklahoma and guard Ricky Sobers from UNLV.
As a 42–40 Phoenix team, the "Sunderella" Suns stunned the NBA in the first two rounds and made the finals. They then went up against the Boston Celtics in a six-game series. Unfortunately, the Suns lost in the sixth game of the finals after a triple-overtime shootout in game five.
The Suns drafted Walter Davis in 1977. He set the franchise scoring record during his 11 years with the team. It was a challenging regular season for the Phoenix Suns, starting with a 14-9 record. Then they slipped to 4-18 during an injury-plagued stretch, which included Dick Van Arsdale breaking his right arm. In the final 37 games, the Suns went 24–13 to finish 42–40, clinching their first playoff spot since 1970.
Phoenix defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 4 games to 2 in the first round of Western Conference playoffs. As a result, they advanced to their first NBA Finals after defeating the defending Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors.
There is no doubt that the 1980s were one of the greatest eras in NBA history. Behind the faces of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, the sport had experienced a boom in popularity.
The Suns enjoyed several successful seasons during the late '70s and early '80s. They even reached the playoffs eight straight. Still, problems both on and off the court arose in the mid-1980s.
3 Suns players were indicted on drug-related charges in 1987. This damaged the franchise's reputation both nationally and within the community. In the same year, tragedy struck the Suns once more as center Nick Vanos was killed when Northwestern Flight 255 crashed upon takeoff.
With the acquisition of Mark West, Kevin Johnson, and Tyrone Corbin from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1987, the Suns' fortunes began to turn around. The Suns also selected Dan Majerle, "Thunder Dan," with the 14th pick of the 1988 NBA draft. The 87' season marked the debut of 13 consecutive playoff appearances, a franchise record.
Phoenix won the 1992 title by trading for perennial All-Star Charles Barkley. Suns fans believe that the addition of Barkley has taken Phoenix to the next level. In 1993, Barkley won his first and only MVP award in his first year with Phoenix.
Aside from Barkley, the Suns added former Boston Celtic Danny Ainge to their roster. They also drafted two promising young players in Oliver Miller and Richard Dumas from the University of Arkansas. Fans in Phoenix and throughout Arizona and the country flocked to the Suns. They had a dynamic team that was tough to stop.
During Barkley's remaining time with the team, Phoenix failed to reach another final. The Suns entered a rebuilding phase in the early 21st century.