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The NBA jersey advent calendar: 25 days of hoops history for the holidays

By Aaron Hertzog

Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 20: Former NBA great Earl Monroe poses for a picture with a framed jersey given to him by the Wizards during a press conference before the Washington Wizards against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Verizon Center on November 20, 2007 in Washington, D.C. The Wizards will retire Monroe’s
WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 20: Former NBA great Earl Monroe poses for a picture with a framed jersey given to him by the Wizards during a press conference before the Washington Wizards against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Verizon Center on November 20, 2007 in Washington, D.C. The Wizards will retire Monroe’s /

10. Earl Monroe — Baltimore Bullets

The horizontal-striped, red white and blue style of the Baltimore/Washington Bullets is one of the most iconic looks in basketball history. There is no better player to represent the look, and number 10 on the calendar, than streetball legend turned professional wizard (well…Bullet) and Jesus of North Philadelphia Earl Monroe.

The Pearl dazzled on the court with a flash and style honed playing in the schoolyards and courts of his hometown Philadelphia. He became an NBA champion later in his career with the New York Knicks but he was at his personal best, especially in terms of style, as a member of the Bullets.

While the Washington Wizards have resurrected the horizontal-stripe jerseys for their current day look, it just can’t compare to the classic “Bullets” name emblazoned across the chest, complete with the “Ls” turned into outstretched arms reaching for a basketball.

Monroe is also one of the most beautifully nicknamed players in league history with aliases of “Jesus”, “Black Jesus”, “Black Magic”, “Einstein”, “Thomas Edison” and, of course, “Earl the Pearl.” Any one of those nicknames on its own would be incredible, but Monroe’s style, flair, and penchant for the extraordinary could not be contained by one nickname alone.

Imagine watching him play and hearing this:

“That man plays basketball with the brilliance of Thomas Edison.”

“More like Einstein.”

“That’s not science, it’s more like Black Magic.”

“Not even, he’s Black Jesus.”

“No, just Jesus.”

Honorable Mention: Manute Bol (Golden State Warriors), Walt Frazier (New York Knicks), Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors), Mookie Blaylock (Atlanta Hawks), Maurice Cheeks (Philadelphia 76ers)

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