NEW YORK – One day after posting on social media that he wanted to change the NBA logo from Jerry West’s silhouette to Kobe Bryant, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving reaffirmed his position, saying he’s OK if he’s a leader of the conversation.
“We want to set a standard and precedent because that’s excellence,” Irving said Thursday after the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 129-92. “Kobe Bryant. Logo. Yes. Must happen. I do not care what anyone says.”
In an Instagram post Wednesday, Irving posted a photo of a custom NBA logo with Bryant embedded as a figure in the middle with this caption: “Gotta Happen, idc what anyone says. BLACK KINGS BUILD THE LEAGUE.”
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, shared Irving’s post in her Instagram story with the caption: “Love this. @KyrieIrving.”
Irving said Thursday night: “I want it to be something in history that changes forever, that our generation was part of that change. And if that means I have to lead it and get the conversation going, then it’s great. “
In 2017, West told ESPN’s Jump The Jump that while it’s’ flattering ‘to be portrayed as the league’s symbol,’ I think if I were the NBA, I would be ashamed of it. I do not like to do anything to draw attention to myself. If they want to change it, I wish they would. In many ways, I wish they would. “
Irving said he understands that his proposal does not appeal to everyone.
“I know it’s probably been met with some people who like it – who like the idea – and with some people who don’t like it,” Irving said. “But my thing is to pay homage to the example set by the man.”
Since Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, the idea of changing the logo to Bryant’s silhouette has gained traction. A petition from change.org in support of the idea has received 3.2 million signatures since early 2020. The creator of the NBA logo, Alan Siegel – current CEO and president of the brand identity and communications consulting firm Siegelvision – told Newsweek at the time. , “It is very clear that [Bryant] was a very respected figure by players and around the world, and it’s really a serious thing to consider by the league. ‘
Irving said Thursday that by pleading to make Bryant’s parable the logo, he does not intend to disrespect any of the other players who have a major impact on the league.
“I think he deserves it,” Irving said. “I think his family deserves it. I think we deserve it when seeing greatness as Mamba. And everyone who comes into the league should know that this is the example set.”
ESda’s Arda Ocal contributed to this report.