Why Do the Milwaukee Bucks Wear Blue?

In the world of sports, certain uniforms are untouchable. The Boston Celtics, for example, have to wear green and white. The New York Yankees wear pinstripes. The list goes on and on. While the Milwaukee Bucks might not be quite as iconic as those famous clubs, they usually hit the court in relatively clean unis.

In recent years, though, the Bucks have added blue to the mix. Sometimes the color appears as a small detail within a larger concept; on other occasions, it's taken over an entire look. As you might expect, that raises a constant question: Why do the Milwaukee Bucks wear blue?

The answer, it turns out, has to do with the very city they call home.

The Milwaukee Bucks wear blue in honor of their location next to Lake Michigan

At their best, modern sports uniforms feature subtle nods to the unique history of the team. While the Milwaukee Bucks' blue jerseys may have raised some eyebrows, the color does just that.

Blue first graced the Bucks' unis in 2015, appearing as a small swatch on the jersey's side paneling. Over time, that inclusion has evolved into a more noticeable blue band on the front of the team's “Statement” uniforms.

While that color was never officially explained, a write-up on the team's 2021-22 “City” jersey provides some context. NBA.com refers to “Lake Michigan blue,” tying the color to Milwaukee's location.

By looking at another NBA.com post about the all-blue 2020-21 “City” jersey, the connection to the lake becomes much more apparent.

The Milwaukee Bucks have unveiled their 2020-21 City Edition uniform, which stays true to the roots of the city on the coast of Lake Michigan.

The team revealed all-blue uniforms, a first for the franchise, in what it says pay homage to the meaning of Milwaukee: the gathering place by the water. Per the team, this is the first Bucks uniform to feature Great Lakes Blue, which was incorporated into the team’s color palette in 2015. Additionally, the phrase “Gathering Place” is on the jersey’s lower left corner to symbolize both Milwaukee’s beginning and the organization’s role in bringing people together. Per the team, the uniform features three shades of blue that represent the three rivers that run through Milwaukee as well as the “depths of Lake Michigan.”

NBA.com

While those jerseys weren't too popular, it's tough to take too much issue with the significance behind the design.

Regardless of what they're wearing, the Bucks are always worth watching

While the cliche might suggest that clothes make the man, that's not entirely true when it comes to the Bucks. Milwaukee is well worth watching, no matter if they're wearing blue, cream, or green.

The driving factor in that reality is, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo. As his nickname would lead you to believe, the Greek Freak is a one-of-a-kind talent. While his shooting can still leave something to be desired, the Bucks' star can run the floor like a guard, dominate the paint like a center, and pull off incredible feats of athleticism without batting an eye. He also seems to be one of professional sports' good guys, which makes his press conferences more entertaining than the norm.

Giannis may drive the bus, but he isn't the only one worth watching in Milwaukee. Khris Middleton is a capable secondary scorer, while Jrue Holiday still manages to be underrated. If you're looking for a more emotional experience, Grayson Allen is the sort of guy you either love or hate depending on your rooting interests.

If you add some stakes to the equation — the Bucks managed to secure their second NBA title in 2021 and will be pushing for more as long as Antetokounmpo is on the roster — and you've got a recipe for must-see TV, regardless of what they're wearing.

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