The Memphis Grizzlies, along with the Atlanta Hawks, are understandably two NBA teams that always play on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King was an Atlanta native, and was infamously assassinated in Memphis.

Next season, the Grizzlies plan to honor Dr. King with an alternate uniform in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum. It’s undoubtedly the most powerful alternate uniform we’ve seen — or will see — on an NBA floor.

The font of the front of the jersey is similar to that of the Lorraine Motel’s sign. The pattern around the edges of the uniform match that of the railings on the motel, and the sea foam green matches the rooms of the motel. The circle at the top of the uniform represents the wreath that hangs where Dr. King was assassinated.

MLK Day, while a national holiday, hasn’t gotten the attention it likely deserves during that time of year, but this is a great move by the Grizzlies organization, and an appropriate tribute to Dr. King.

About Harry Lyles Jr.

Harry Lyles Jr. is an Atlanta-based writer, and a Georgia State University graduate.