I’ve been watching the NBA for years, and one question that comes up often is who might be the next face of the NBA logo. Jerry West, who graced the NBA logo since 1969, has had an incredible run. We’re talking about more than 50 years here. It’s time some new blood gets a shot. In recent years, there's been a lot of buzz about Kobe Bryant taking that spot.
Kobe Bryant’s career stats alone make a strong case. Over his 20 seasons, he amassed 33,643 points, averaging 25.0 points per game. His five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and two NBA Finals MVPs are hard to overlook. More than anything, Kobe’s visible impact on and off the court drove a sense of urgency and excitement in fans around the world. His tragic passing elevated his legacy, with millions advocating for his recognition on a global scale.
Speaking of Kobe’s impact, you may recall the moment when countless players and fans wore “24” jerseys in his honor. The NBA even named the All-Star MVP trophy after him. This public admiration isn’t just sentimental; it’s practical. Having Kobe on the logo could drive merchandising sales through the roof, considering the number of fans who'd want memorabilia featuring this iconic new logo.
Another candidate worth considering is Michael Jordan. Often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. He averaged 30.1 points per game throughout his 15 NBA seasons. Beyond the numbers, Jordan revolutionized the marketing and branding world. His Air Jordan line, launched in 1984, transformed sneaker culture, making more than $100 million in its first year. A Jordan-centered logo could be a marketing juggernaut, leveraging his star power to attract new fans and markets globally.
There’s been a lot of debate about LeBron James as another potential candidate. LeBron’s versatility and consistency are unmatched; he’s the only player in NBA history to record over 35,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, and 9,000 assists. His social justice efforts and off-court endeavors are also transformative. Remember his foundation’s I PROMISE School? That alone demonstrates his significant social impact beyond basketball. LeBron’s face could usher in a new era that champions excellence on and off the court.
What about other notable players like Magic Johnson or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Magic’s charisma and leadership redefined the point guard position. He averaged 11.2 assists per game, the highest in NBA history. Moreover, his battle and victory over HIV/AIDS changed the social narrative around the illness. Kareem, with his six NBA MVPs and all-time scoring record—38,387 points—brought an insurmountable influence to the game. Imagine the cultural resonance with that kind of history portrayed on every NBA product.
Then again, who wouldn’t want to see Steph Curry on the logo? Curry revolutionized the game with his incredible three-point shooting, changing the way basketball is played. Currently, he holds the record for the most three-pointers in a single season with 402. His magnetic play style attracts younger audiences, making him a relatable and current figure. With Curry on the logo, you could envision a future NBA where long-range shooting and finesse take center stage.
We can't ignore Wilt Chamberlain either. Wilt, aka “The Big Dipper,” set statistical benchmarks still discussed today. He scored 100 points in a single game and averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-1962 season. His physical dominance paved the way for future players, proving the importance of unmatched athleticism. Celebrating Wilt as the logo figure could pay homage to the game's rich history and evolution.
Shaquille O’Neal also makes for a compelling argument. With his massive presence and charismatic personality, Shaq dominated the paint, earning four NBA championships and three Finals MVP awards. He’s one of the most recognizable figures across not just basketball, but global entertainment. Transitioning to media, business, and philanthropy, Shaq brings a multi-dimensional appeal. His inclusion in the logo could symbolize not just basketball prowess but a larger-than-life persona fit for today's multifaceted society.
Additionally, we should think about the business side. Changing the logo involves more than just swapping images; it involves rebranding entire merchandise lines, marketing campaigns, and digital assets. The NBA could face an extensive investment to roll out the new design. Ensuring a significant return on this investment becomes crucial. Players like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan offer an almost guaranteed ROI due to their massive fan base and global reach.
With evolving trends, the NBA has to consider who resonates most with today’s audience. Current discussions online often point to younger players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić. Giannis, with his back-to-back MVPs and recent NBA championship, shows a pattern of rising dominance. Luka, on the other hand, brings a global appeal being a European player making waves in the NBA. Both players signify the league's future but maybe need more time to solidify their legacies fully.
According to [this source](a href="https://arenaplus.ph/">who is in the nba logo, there’s a lot to consider. The next face of the NBA logo isn't just about stats or championships, it’s also about representing what the league aspires to be. Whether it's Kobe, Jordan, LeBron, or someone else, this change will undeniably mark a new chapter in basketball history.