CBS Sports ranks OKC Thunder as third-highest NBA team in need of a rebrand
The OKC Thunder is one of the most exciting teams in basketball. It's a young, electric group that's tied for first place in the Western Conference standings with a 43-19 record.
But some people don't think OKC's team design fits that vibe.
In a recent article by CBS Sports titled "Five NBA teams in desperate need of a brand refresh," OKC ranked third on the list. The writer claimed the Thunder should "throw the whole concept away," citing its "bland" design as the main reason.
It isn't the first time someone has called out OKC, which has had the same logo and similar jersey designs since it became a franchise in 2008. Some Thunder fans have been calling for a change for years.
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What Sam Presti said about OKC Thunder branding
When asked about the possibility of a rebrand during his preseason media availability on Sept. 27, OKC general manager and executive vice president Sam Presti didn't shut down the idea.
"I would never say no to that," Presti said. "I think there's a time for re-looking at that kind of thing. If we do, I think we'll do a very expert job and a very thoughtful job but also making sure we're staying true to who we are."
But Presti also explained why a Thunder rebrand might not happen in the near future.
OKC is only in its 16th season as a franchise, which is a small portion of the NBA's 78-year history. So, while some people think the Thunder needs to change things up, its design isn't exactly outdated.
"The cement is not dry," Presti said. "We're still the new people on the block here. Letting that sink in a little bit, I think, is important. I understand there's some people that love our logo, don't love our logo. That's okay. If you have an opinion, we're happy about that. You care. And that logo means a lot to a lot of different people.
"Change is part of progress too, so I'm sure at some point we'll look at that. But I think we've also evolved as well, and this will be just another way we do that at some point."
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Is it time for a Thunder rebrand?
