Is the NBA Logo Going to Change? - Austen Frattura

 Is the NBA Logo Going to Change?

    

           Recently there has been a lot of discussion about the NBA logo and whether or not it should be changed. Since Kobe Bryant's death, NBA players have suggested the NBA logo change in Bryant's honor. Kobe is one of the greatest NBA players and was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. After his death, there was nationwide mourning. Bryant had an impact because of his charity works and investment in helping youth through basketball. He owned Mamba Sports Academy where he coached and worked with kids through his multiple basketball teams, camps, and tournaments. While it might make sense to name Kobe Bryant the new logo player, I believe there are other options that would better represent the league. 

        If the logo is changed it should be non-other than the greatest player to touch a basketball, Michael Jordan. Jordan has had the most impact on the sport of basketball and changed the NBA into an international entertainment business. Jordan is basketball's biggest icon followed by LeBron James. Kobe may be the third or fourth most iconic player but he should not be on the logo over Jordan. Jordan has the most significant accomplishments in terms of championships, specifically two three-peats. He was and still is basketball's biggest star should not be passed over if the league decides to make a new logo, but a new logo may be unnecessary. The logo has been there for as long as I remember and if they change it once, could they change it again? If the change does go through it will most likely be the image below. 

        The logo of a sports league should not highlight a single person, because the logo is about the league, not individuals. It should be about the greater company and its image and not the image of an individual. Logos like the MLB and NFL have not changed and are easy to recognize and send the message of a long tradition of excellence. I hope the NBA does not change the logo but, if they do Michael Jordan should be the new athlete on the logo. Kobe Bryant is qualified to be on the logo and was a man respected by many and left a great legacy that has impacted and will continue to impact others for years to come, but Jordan has had the greatest success in the league and spread the entertainment company across the world and set up the league for future stars like Kobe and LeBron are. Jordan had the greatest impact on basketball worldwide and if they change the logo Jordan should be the athlete on it.