Hope springs eternal on NBA media day, when every team is 0-0 and all of their goals are within reach. The start of every season begins the same way: players tell us they are in the best shape of their life, they’ve gained 15 pounds of muscle, and they’re ready to do anything it takes to contribute to winning. It’s unfortunate that basketball fans can’t live in this dreamscape forever.
One of the best parts about the start of training camp seeing players who changed teams over the summer in their new uniforms. It was incredibly strange to see Klay Thompson trade in his Golden State Warriors jersey for Dallas Mavericks threads this time last year, and it’s going to be hard to remember Chris Paul ever played for the San Antonio Spurs when he eventually retires.
The 2025-26 NBA season has now unofficially underway after the league held its remaining media day festivities on Monday. The regular season doesn’t begin until Oct. 21, but we already have a first look at players in their new uniforms. Here are the NBA players who looked especially strange in their new jerseys.
Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets
Desmond Bane, G, Orlando Magic
Cam Johnson, F, Denver Nuggets
Jrue Holiday, G, Portland Trail Blazers
Kristaps Porzingis, C, Atlanta Hawks
Lonzo Ball, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
Brook Lopez, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Deandre Ayton, C, Los Angeles Lakers
Dennis Schröder, G, Sacramento Kings
Kevin Love, F, Utah Jazz
Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat
Kevon Looney, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Jordan Poole, G, New Orleans Pelicans
Myles Turner, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Chris Paul, G, Los Angeles Clippers
Okay, this last one looks familiar. Lob City might be long gone, but Chris Paul is eternal.