Joel Embiid models the throwback uniforms the Sixers will wear in 2025-26. (Sixers)
For years, you begged.
Now the Sixers have answered.
No, it's not a championship.
But it pays homage to the last time the franchise was in the Finals.
The Sixers unveiled their 25th anniversary alternate uniform on Wednesday, a throwback that pays homage to the 2001 team that set the city ablaze on a run to the Finals.
𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲. 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸.@cryptocom pic.twitter.com/11wO2agTWH
Image courtesy of Sixers
Image courtesy of Sixers
Image courtesy of Sixers“This uniform is more than just a piece of fabric; it represents an era of franchise history that embraced a distinct identity and captured the attention of the entire city,” said Lara Price, Chief Operating Officer. “To see these uniforms back out on that court will bring back a lot of nostalgia, and we are excited to share that in many different ways with our fans this season.”
They will have a court that matches the classic jerseys, all of which will be used in select games throughout the season:
Sixers announce the games that will celebrate the 2001 Finals team with throwbacks:
Raptors 11/8
Pistons 11/9
Heat 11/23
Warriors 12/4
Lakers 12/7
Mavs 12/20
Nets 12/23
Knicks 1/24
Pelicans 1/31
Knicks 2/11
Spurs 3/3
Jazz 3/4
Thunder 3/23
Bucks 4/12
— Austin Krell (@austinkrell.bsky.social) September 8, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Additionally, the Sixers say that they will wear the jerseys on the road six times this upcoming season "against playoff contenders from the 2000-01 season."
There is a more involved process to getting these uniforms approved than most people realize. The league has say in the number of the throwbacks that can be introduced every season and influence over designs. It's anyone's best guess as to how long the Sixers had this in the works, but it likely wasn't as simple as "let's just give the fans what they want this season".
Still, there were hints that these throwbacks were in the foreseeable future for some time. Back in early August, a team official confirmed that the upcoming season would mark the return of the fan-favorite jerseys.
It is an interesting time to bring these back. While the team's intent is to offer a salute to the last time the franchise won the conference, it also happens to be a time when fan sentiment toward the Sixers is the worst it's been in the Joel Embiid Era.
From a story-telling standpoint, there is some overlap between the modern rendition of the Sixers and the 2001 team.
You might feel like Tyrese Maxey is stepping into "face of the franchise" status with the current group. The uniforms represent the prime of Allen Iverson's powers.
What's the overlap?
Two under-sized guards, beloved for both their plays and personalities, who weaponize speed and demonstrate killer instinct.
That's not the only parallel, though.
The current team is hoping - pleading - that an aging Embiid can find enough health to effectively partner with Maxey en route to a contending season in the weakened East.
The 2001 team acquired aging big man Dikembe Mutombo to anchor the defense. The move helped push that group over the top and into June play.
When the team takes the court in those throwbacks, it will tie the dying hopes of the modern fan to the euphoria of those good old days.
And perhaps that connection can bring some magic to the 2025-26 team.
