Tags: ABA, Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Seattle Supersonics, Utah Jazz

I had the misfortune of having to go to class on my birthday today to turn in an assignment. However, I have loose attendance morals and ended up leaving to go home and blog (sad).

Browsing the web in class, an ESPN article caught my eye concerning the Seattle Supersonics’ potential move to Oklahoma City. Apparently a deal is being negotiated to leave the Supersonic name, colors, etc… in Seattle for the next franchise that could come around.

Brilliant, I say!

Following this idea, the NBA would be an interesting place if names and identities were left behind from whence they originated.

The Los Angeles Lakers is an odd fit, seeing as how the Lakers originated in Minneapolis. Solution: give the Minnesota Timberwolves the Laker name, and have L.A. adopt the old ABA Anaheim Amigos or Los Angeles Stars monikers.

The San Antonio Spurs made the right move by leaving their former identity as the Dallas Chaparrals behind. Why won’t the Mavs rekindle that old flame? Their name isn’t there’s anyways since it originally belonged to the Houston Mavericks of the ABA. Solution: the Rockets (who got their name from their San Diego roots anyways) change their name to the Chaparrals and send their name to Dallas for the Mavericks name plus future considerations.

Memphis Grizzlies? Please. It’s a retarded name to start with, but I guess it somewhat made sense for the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies, since apparently the grizzly bear is a “longtime cultural symbol of Canada” (thanks Wikipedia!). Memphis had a slew of various names for their basketball teams, including the Pros, Tams, and Sounds. I vote for the Memphis Sounds - if that doesn’t speak of the identity of a city, I don’t know what does.

Most recently, the New Orleans Hornets relocated from Charlotte to their new home. The name definitely made sense in Charlotte, as General Cornwallis once referred to the area as a “veritable nest of hornets.” The current Charlotte Bobcats have one of the worst names and logos there is (another reason why you shouldn’t let idiotic casual fans name things). Lastly, why wouldn’t the New Orleans Jazz want to make a comeback? Yes, I’m aware they currently play in Utah, but does anyone care? Solution: Let’s orchestrate a three-way trade. Rename Utah’s franchise the Mormons and call it a day. Everybody plays, everybody wins.

Any other contributions to this list are welcome! To check out some more obscure old teams, check out Remember the ABA - or just Wikipedia your favorite team and see what you find out!

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