Sebastian Telfair: The NBA Won't Change the Logo to Kobe Bryant Because of Colorado

Sebastian Telfair recently expressed his thoughts on the prospect of Kobe Bryant being named the new logo of the NBA during an interview on 'Vlad TV.' Telfair was quite direct in his response, emphasizing that the controversial incident in Colorado would prevent such a change from happening.

"No. What's that face Bron be making? No, they're not doing that. Kobe got the situation in Colorado. I know because of that. I don't know st, but I'm just saying."

"Like, they're not doing that and only reason that st happened in Colorado cuz Kobe's with Adidas if that n***a was with Nike already, that wouldn't happen." (0:20)

The incident Telfair referred to was the 2003 sexual assault accusation against Kobe Bryant in Colorado, a case that was later settled out of court. Despite Bryant's immense popularity and his iconic status within the sport, this controversy has continued to cast a shadow over his legacy, influencing opinions on whether he should be immortalized as the NBA's logo.

Following Bryant's tragic death in 2020, there were significant calls from fans and players alike to honor him by making him the new face of the NBA logo. The movement gained momentum, particularly on social media, with various petitions and public endorsements from notable figures within the basketball community.

Even Jerry West, the current silhouette of the NBA logo, expressed his support for the change in 2021, indicating he would be fine with being replaced by Kobe Bryant. West’s endorsement added considerable weight to the argument, given his status as a Lakers legend and the face of the league for decades.

However, the calls for this change have significantly diminished following Jerry West's passing a few weeks ago. The focus has shifted, and the urgency behind the movement has waned.

Ultimately, while Kobe Bryant's influence on the game is undeniable, and many believe he deserves such an honor, the incident in Colorado remains a significant barrier. Telfair's comments reflect a broader sentiment that, despite widespread admiration for Bryant, the NBA is unlikely to adopt him as its logo due to the controversy that continues to affect his legacy.

The Logo Will Not Change Anytime Soon

It's widely known that Jerry West, a Hall of Famer, is the muse behind the NBA's famous logo. Designer Alan Siegel has acknowledged that he used West’s image as a reference when creating it. However, the NBA has never officially confirmed this, insisting that the logo represents a generic player to avoid linking the brand to one specific person.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has maintained this position, even amidst requests to change the logo to honor Kobe Bryant. After Bryant’s tragic death in 2020, there was a significant push from the public to make him the new face of the NBA logo. Despite the outcry, the league has hesitated to make this change.

Several factors contribute to this hesitation. A primary reason is the intent to keep the logo timeless and not associated with any one player, no matter how legendary. The NBA aims for the logo to symbolize the entire league and all its great players, rather than focusing on one individual.

Financial reasons also play a crucial role. The current logo is a central element of the NBA's branding, featured on merchandise, marketing, and partnerships globally. Changing it would require an extensive and costly rebranding effort. This was seen when LeBron James wanted to change his jersey number, posing potential issues with existing merchandise.

Honoring Kobe Bryant with a logo change would be a meaningful tribute, but the NBA is wary of the precedent it might set. Changing the logo for Bryant could lead to future demands for similar changes whenever another beloved player passes away, resulting in continuous rebranding and debates over deserving candidates.

The NBA has opted to honor Bryant through various tributes and memorials while keeping the logo as a representation of the league's overall history and identity. This strategy ensures consistency and avoids the complications of frequently altering its most iconic symbol.

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