The Washington Wizards' new uniforms unveiled Tuesday are a departure in color and design from the present - dominated by white and an aquamarine blue - to an image which harkens to the past. The uniforms resemble those of the Washington Bullets in the 1970s and 80s and their patriotic red, white and blue theme in line with the Capital's national focus.

“It is gratifying that we are adopting a color scheme and introducing new team marks that illustrate our exciting future while reconnecting with our proud past,” said Ted Leonsis, majority owner of the Wizards and Monumental Sports and Entertainment, in a statement on the Wizards' website.

The change is a result of work by the Wizards with the NBA and shoe and apparel maker Adidas.

Greg Bibb, a Wizards executive said the process was “deliberate, strategic, and the end product is a very good look.”

As a result two other teams owned by Monumental Sports - the Mystics of the WNBA and the NHL Capitals - share the same colors, albeit in slightly different styles.

Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said it was “appropriate” that the colors and goals of bringing a championship were aligned.