Awaiting a nickname since its arrival in Oklahoma, the Northwestern team of the NBA was finally named as the Oklahoma City Thunder on 3rd September, 2008.
The team played by the name ‘OKC- NBA’ as the team originally known as the SuperSonics ran into legal hassles and the city required to choose a new nickname for the team it had purchased from Seattle. The team had achieved possession of assets like the championship trophies and banners even though they lost the nickname, logo and colors to Seattle for a possible future NBA team.
The team logo was unveiled by a group of kids assisted by NBA stars Damien Wilkins and Desmond Mason.
The chairman of the Thunders, Clay Bennett said, “We think the logo is classic in its style. We think it’s powerful in its design. We think it evokes energy. We think the word Thunder is displayed with simplicity and dignity. And the colors represent much about Oklahoma”. He also said “Our primary color blue is the color of our state flag. This is very much an Oklahoma organization. The sunset is red and orange. Not too red. Not too orange. And the beautiful sun is reflected by yellow.”
When asked on why the team was named Thunder he said, “We just felt it connected,” “We liked the name. We felt it reflected the identity we hope to establish for the team. And thought the word connected to Oklahoma in an effective way, a word of power and strength and clarity. It was a favorite early on. Thunder was the leader for a long time.”
“We are honored and humbled that Thunder joins the NBA family,” Bennett said. “We will do all we can to live up to the privilege and responsibility. The season is upon us. Great days lie ahead. Congratulations all. And go Thunder.”
