The Rockets need a “ketchup and mustard” or pinstripe jersey

The Houston Rockets need a “ketchup and mustard or pinstripe jersey option, as an ode to the championship era and growing retro respect.

There has been a dialogue growing online in the Houston Rockets community surrounding the rumors that owner Tilman Fertitta might want to tweak our jerseys. Regardless of a potential slight font change on future uniforms, many fans continue to argue for and even design new conceptual uniforms.

The common theme within these conversations and concept designs by fans for the Rockets are always two eras: the ketchup and mustard jerseys, and the pinstripe blue era.

At the very least there should be a present ode to the championship years within the Rockets uniforms and branding that is currently absent. The retro ketchup and mustard jerseys won two championships, and those sunset images will never be forgotten.

The retrospective appreciation for the blue pinstripe jerseys seems to have transcended any distaste for the pajama-like look. A somewhat new revolution of respect seems to be alive for those blue and white pinstripes with the busy logo.

I guess the demographic of fans who were kids watching that uniform have now grown up to become the consumers today. It is amazing almost to an ironic level to remember that at one point these jerseys were worn by Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, and Hakeem Olajuwon.

This article is not intended to disrespect the “bleeding R” era Rockets whatsoever, regardless of postseason success under this branding. There will always be a respect for this era. Watching the baggy jerseys on “Skip To My Lou” and Yao Ming that have now slimmed down over time to become the Nike jerseys we watch today; they are a reminder of progression.

I love how this era has solidified red as our primary color. Red is a power color. Red is stunning as it showers the Toyota Center during pre-playoff game rallies. Fire and fireworks both perfectly framing the crowd’s pre-game rumble, just something blue or green could never accomplish. Red is a reminder of the past history of the organization ever since the transition from San Diego to Houston in 1971.

Our primary color should be kept, yet something just feels blasphemous about eating and enjoying ketchup without mustard. It will be interesting to see if Tilman Fertitta does indeed choose to alter the uniforms or potentially utilize a complete re-branding. Regardless, there will always be Rockets fans who want to see the ketchup and mustard jerseys or even some blue pinstripes on game day.

Note: Can we also bring back Turbo?