NEW YORK – A day after posting on social media that he would like to see the NBA logo changed from Jerry West’s silhouette to that of Kobe Bryant, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving reaffirmed his position and said that it’s okay if is the leader of the conversation.
“We want to set a standard and a precedent, as if that were excellence,” said Irving on Thursday, after the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 129-92. “Kobe Bryant. Soon. Yes. It needs to happen. I don’t care what they say.”
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Irving posted a photo of a modified NBA logo with Bryant replaced as the middle figure with this caption: “It has to happen, whatever anyone says. BLACK KINGS BUILT THE LEAGUE. “
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s widow, shared Irving’s post in her Instagram story with the caption: “I love it. @KyrieIrving.”
Irving said on Thursday night, “I want this to be something in history that has changed forever, that our generation has been part of that change. And if it means that I have to carry it out and keep the conversation going, then great. “
In 2017, West said on ESPN’s The Jump, that while it is “flattering” to be portrayed as the league symbol, “I think if I were the NBA, I would be embarrassed about it. I don’t like doing anything to draw attention to If they wanted to change, I would like them to do it. In many ways, I would like them to change. “
Irving said he understands that his proposal does not appeal to everyone.
“I know it was probably found with some people who love it – who love the idea – and some people who don’t,” said Irving. “But, my goal is to pay homage to the example that was set by that man.”
Since Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, the idea of changing the logo to Bryant’s silhouette has gained momentum. A change.org petition in support of the idea has won 3.2 million signatures since the beginning of 2020. NBA logo creator Alan Siegel – current CEO and president of communication and brand identity consulting firm Siegelvision – said to Newsweek at the time, “It’s pretty clear that [Bryant] he was a very respected figure by the players and around the world and this is a very serious thing that must be considered by the league. “
Irving said on Thursday that, in arguing that Bryant’s image was the logo, he did not intend to belittle any of the other players who have had considerable impacts on the league.
“I think he deserves it,” said Irving. “I think his family deserves it. I think we deserve to see greatness personified as Mamba. And anyone entering the league should know that this is the example that was set.”
ESPN’s Arda Ocal contributed to this report.