NBA News, Rumors and Updates 2013: 'King James', 'Black Mamba' and Other Nicknames on Jerseys
The 2013 NBA Season is just a couple of weeks away and everybody is waiting to see how the teams will fair this year. A lot of buzz is also on the players' digs on court - their kicks and even the new team uniforms. However, one rumor is swirling around that the league will soon be allowing players to wear their moniker on their jerseys instead of their last names.
Over the past seasons, teams have redesigned their uniforms one too many - from Latin Night jerseys, to Christmas uniforms, retros and even uni-colored sets. However, this season jerseys could go where no one has dared in the history of professional basketball: nicknames.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, reports have it that the NBA is considering the idea of having players' nicknames on their jerseys. A Bleacher Report bit says that Miami Heat sources have confirmed the rumors.
"This offseason, according to team sources, the organization has discussed an even more dramatic departure from the norm: nicknames," the sports news website wrote. "They would replace last names above players' numbers on the upper back of one of their alternate jersey styles."
ESPN also reports that the Miami Heat and the Brooklyn Nets are the first in-line to don the "nickname jerseys." The league is looking at having the two items wear these odd uniforms in one of their four matches this regular season. The report also noted that while noting has been announced yet, the two teams have already known about the idea for weeks now.
So far, it seems that players like the idea of wearing their nicknames on their backs.
"It shows growth in our league and it shows we do adapt to what's going on around us," Ray Allen, who would probably wear "Shuttlesworth" on his jersey, told ESPN. "And we're still kids, playing a kids' game. Even though we're now men playing a kids' game, we still remember where we come from. Everybody had a nickname, and it's a way to let the fans in a little bit more."
"I think it gives players a great opportunity to frame their brand by picking a name that tells their story or further communicates what they represent," Kobe Bryant a.k.a. the Black Mamba also told the sports network.
However, there are also those who aren't fond of the idea. Kendall Marshall voiced out his opinion on his Twitter account, posting "Not of a fan of the nickname idea. Having your last name on the back of your jersey isn't just representing yourself, but your family as well."
He also tweeted: "The nickname makes it more about the individual. It's still a team sport. Represent your team, your family, and go out there and play."
The NBA has yet to comment on the issue.