From the first mention of conspiracy theories, Kyrie Irving knows how to start speculation when talking to the media. In a recent interview, Kyrie stated that he would like the late Kobe Bryant to replace Jerry West as the NBA logo. Although West has talked about not wanting to be the iconic image, there are more factors in 2021. The biggest problem with changing such an iconic logo is finding an image that’s just as recognizable. Not to mention, a player that has both the accolades and a flawless reputation.
In 2021, with multiple brand names and logo changes, there is an added layer of difficulty finding the “perfect” image. While most NBA players would be considered for the new logo, the list gets smaller when considering a player’s reputation. Athletes such as Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kobe Bryant all have the accolades and accomplishments to be the new logo, but not the reputation. Having both of these requirements makes the task virtually impossible. While many NBA players have the accolades and help their community in a variety of ways, it still doesn’t mean they are acceptable candidates to be the new logo.
Not only was West an exceptional player, but the image is almost unrecognizable. With the difficulty of finding an acceptable athlete, the next logo most likely won’t have a player at all, just an image. While many all-time greats could be in the discussion, no candidate could be considered acceptable by the majority of fans. Even though West’s silhouette is an iconic image, there are more factors in 2021 than in the 1960s.
