Oklahoma City Narrows Down Nicknames
NBA Trademarks Energy, Wind, Bison, Barons, Thunder and Marshalls
Jul 27, 2008
The NBA has trademarked the rights to a half-dozen nicknames, so one of these six will be what the Oklahoma City franchise is eventually called. So here are the six nickname nominees, from worst to best.
The Oklahoma City Energy
Johan Petro standing in front of the basket like a bump on a log is not anyone's idea of energy. Neither is watching head coach P.J. Carlesimo berate referees. This sounds like a ridiculous attempt to capitalize on the country’s fascination with energy because of the skyrocketing oil, gasoline and electricity prices. The Seattle Energy would have been a better name since after you drink all of that Starbucks coffee in that city, you have more pep in your step than Russell Westbrook has when he is running the fast break.
The Oklahoma City Wind
Maybe you can make an argument that Earl Watson driving the lane or Kevin Durant slashing to the rim are images that can have basketball fans thinking about wind. When you think about wind, though, you do not think about a mediocre basketball team. You think about tornados or Carl Lewis racing in the 100-meter dash or Taco Bell (breaking wind). Plus, why not the Breeze? Is Wind a little more masculine? Would the Breeze sound too much like a WNBA team? Hate the name.
The Oklahoma City Bison
If the Sonics had moved to Nebraska would the NBA have considered naming the franchise the Omaha Steaks? The name Bison would work better for an NHL or NFL team or as a nickname for a UFC fighter or WWE wrestler.
The Oklahoma City Barons
The Chicago White Sox’s Double-A minor-league affiliate is called the Birmingham Barons. The name does not fit them very well, either. It is not as idiotic as the first two choices, but it leaves you scratching your head as to why it was even thought of in the first place and how it finished as a finalist.
The Oklahoma City Thunder
Most cities in the country have some thunder, although Oklahoma City probably has more than most. Ask any meteorologist. It's better than "Lightning," that’s for sure. It is decent and has potential, but the fact thunder is not something that solely happens in OK-City harms it.
The Oklahoma City Marshalls
It is the best of a bad lot. Not exactly sure why there are two L’s in the name when the Webster’s Dictionary goes with one. You can see the multi-media ad campaign with Durant as "The New Sheriff in Town" and Jeff Green as "The New Gunslinger in Town," etc. It will do. But here are a couple other choices:
The Oklahoma City RoughRiders
You have to love a nickname that has two Canadian Football League teams using it at the same time. Oklahoma City has its fair share of rough-riding people, whether it’s the cowboys at the rodeo or the farmers on their tractors.The name has a special something, plus it is a bit unique.
The Oklahoma City Sikmas
This is an ode to the Seattle SuperSonic great, Jack Sikma. Nobody embodied Sonics hoops like the jump-shooting center of the Sonics’ glory years in the 70's and 80's. This way the past would not totally be lost and Sonics fans who want to stick with their team as they move into their new digs can still feel like part of the program.
