Cavs bringing back classic 2003 look with retro court

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The Cavaliers aren’t bringing back a rookie by the name of LeBron James, but they are bringing back the uniforms he wore back in 2003.

The same threads that carried the Cavs through their first Finals run are officially back — a nod James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Booby Gibson, Anderson Varejao and others from that era. It was the look of a franchise learning how to win, and of a city falling back in love with basketball.

Designed in partnership with Nike, the 2025-26 Classic Edition uniforms will serve as Cleveland’s fifth set, joining the wine, white, black, and City Edition kits. The Cavs are also rolling out a matching retro court to complete the vibe — a hardwood throwback to when “Cleveland” across the chest meant the start of something special.

The legacy lives on.

On sale now at https://t.co/gZSf5OiSN7. #LetEmKnow

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 15, 2025

But this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a reminder of what this group believes it can be again. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen are built differently, but the goal is the same. Under coach Kenny Atkinson, today’s Cavs are chasing the same thing LeBron’s crew once did.

They will debut the throwbacks on Wednesday, Nov. 5, when they host the 76ers at Rocket Arena. They’ll wear them 11 times total, including home matchups with the Lakers, Warriors, Celtics, and Magic, and a Christmas Day showdown at Madison Square Garden.

So, yeah. Old look. New goals. And a jersey that brings back the past — and hints at what the Cavs hope might be next.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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