And "Thunder" It Is...
Wednesday September 3, 2008
It was perhaps the worst-kept secret in the metro after being leaked back in July, but now it is official. Oklahoma City's new NBA team will be known as the "Thunder," announced the franchise in a Wednesday press conference at downtown OKC's Leadership Square.Ownership group Chairman Clay Bennett, General Manager Sam Presti and Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo were all on hand to unveil the name, the color scheme of blue/yellow/orange, and the official logo shown above. Immediately after the announcement, exclusive Thunder merchandise was made available at the team store in Leadership Square and online.
My initial thoughts on the name Thunder weren't positive, but as I predicted, it has grown on me quite a bit. As for the logo, I'll just have to really hope for the same transformation because my gut reaction is not good. So what do you think? The poll I put up when the original rumors surfaced showed nearly 40 percent "hated" Thunder. Has it grown on you as well?
POLL: How do you feel about the name, logo and colors for OKC's NBA team?
1) Fantastic
2) Eh, could be worse
3) Mildly disappointed
4) Deeply disappointed
5) No opinion
Official Logo © Oklahoma City Thunder
Comments
I don’t generally like weather-related names, but “Thunder” is much better than Wind or Energy. The logo is laughable, however. Seriously, you can get a better effort for $25 on logomaid.com.
I’m alright with Thunder. I see a lot of opportunity to create an exciting atmosphere themed around Thunder.
The logo on the otherhand was a sad, “safe” choice. Designed by committee all the way.
I am very excited Oklahoma finally has a team. Don’t mind the name of the team, but the logo is lacking quite a bit. It looks like they had 5 minutes before the conference to put it together. However, it is our home team logo and I will wear it just the same.
Is just me or does the new logo and colour scheme look oddly-similar to the Atlanta Thrasher NHL logo? Minus the bird of course. As a lifelong Sonics fan, it saddened me to see the team relocate. Add that to the the now lackluster name and an uninspiring logo/colour scheme and I now will have to look elsewhere for a team to cheer on.
Best of luck to the people of OKC and enjoy what the NBA has to offer!
Glad we finally have a team name. However, I also am disappointed in the logo. It seems like the development of a logo was an afterthought.
All the same, I picked up my ball cap and tshirt today and will wear it proudly as a “Thunder-Boomer”
To be honest, I’m not crazy about the logo. But when I look at most of the other NBA logos, I would have to say that none of them just jump out and scream excellence. Most of them have weird fonts, or odd colors, or they’re just too busy with embellishment.
I am going to dissent from most bloggers on the internet and say that I am actually pleased with the overall package that has been developed. Also, I can see great marketing/entertainment possibilities with “Thunder.” I am expecting lots of power-packed home games.
the logo is awful!
I am ok with the name Thunder, I do feel as if the fans should have had more to do with the naming of the team and creation of the logo. We all knew they were coming so they would have had plenty of time to choose and prepare!!
I’m ok with the color scheme, although I’d have chosen different colors, I’m more upset by the choice of mascot. No offense I have nothing against the “Thunderbird” BUT, we’re the Thunder, NOT the Thunderbirds! Give us a gray puffy cloud with a lightening bolt or something!!!
I think the name “Thunder” could be a very exciting name. It is befitting of Oklahoma and with the right music (drums, lightening like lights, etc.), it certainly has the potential to make a huge impact for the team and fans. The logo, however, is GREATLY disappointing. It’s not striking, the colors are ah…. peuk. Anyway for a “do-over”?? Please tell me it isn’t so— that the mascot is a Thunderbird???
I have to say it’s a big improvement from the former Sonics’ logo and color scheme. The old Seattle uniforms were ugly. The new ones really aren’t that bad I don’t know why everyone is tripping. Dallas, Golden State, and Cleveland’s are a lot worse than this one.