Pacers unveil new Mixtape uniforms

After releasing several seventies-themed teasers, the Pacers finally revealed their 2021-22 ‘Mixtape’ jerseys on Monday, with the words, “inspired by the past, built for the future.”

A mash-up of previous designs from the team’s history, the “Pacers” word-mark is a nod to the chest stripe from the ‘80s surrounded by diagonal, Flo-Jo-style color-blocking.

According to the team, the shorts also include the team’s current logo remixed with the classic look from 1971, as well as some subtle hat-tips to the three ABA Championships and the 2000 Eastern Conference Title team.

The alternate uniforms, which are said to be in honor of the league’s 75th anniversary, are similar in concept to last season’s ‘City Edition’ jerseys, which featured pinstripes from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, along with a Flo-Jo inspired side panel, and font similar to that of the Paul George-era V-necks.

While different in style, it seems as though the Pacers were ahead of the curve last season in creating a patchwork quilt of prior jerseys with basketball itself featuring as the team’s culture rather than reflecting some unique element of the city’s culture.

The Pacers will debut their new uniforms on Wednesday against the New York Knicks — when, hopefully, they can upgrade their performance along with their attire.