Who is on the NBA Logo?

The NBA logo is one of the most iconic symbols in sports, instantly recognizable to basketball fans around the world. The silhouette of a player dribbling a basketball encapsulates the energy and grace of the game. But who is the player depicted in this famous logo? The answer is Jerry West, a legendary figure in basketball history.

The Creation of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo was designed in 1969 by Alan Siegel, the founder of the branding firm Siegel+Gale. The league wanted a new logo to differentiate itself and capitalize on the growing popularity of basketball. Siegel drew inspiration from the Major League Baseball (MLB) logo, which also features a player silhouette.

In search of the perfect image, Siegel sifted through countless photographs of NBA players. He was struck by a photo of Jerry West, a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, taken by Wen Roberts. West’s pose, dribbling the ball with a distinctive blend of speed and control, epitomized the athleticism and elegance Siegel sought to convey.

Why Jerry West?

Jerry West, known as “Mr. Clutch” for his remarkable performances in crucial moments, was one of the NBA’s most dominant players during his career from 1960 to 1974. West’s career highlights include:

• 14-time NBA All-Star: Selected to the All-Star team every year of his career.
• NBA Champion: Led the Lakers to an NBA Championship in 1972.
• Scoring Prowess: Averaged 27.0 points per game over his career, ranking among the all-time greats.
• Versatility: Known for his scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills, making him one of the most well-rounded players ever.

West’s iconic status and his embodiment of the qualities that the NBA wanted to promote—skill, determination, and sportsmanship—made him the perfect choice for the logo.

The Legacy of the Logo

The NBA has never officially confirmed that Jerry West is the player in the logo, but it is widely acknowledged and accepted in the basketball community. West himself has expressed mixed feelings about his silhouette being used. On one hand, he is honored to be associated with the NBA’s brand. On the other hand, he has often stated that he would prefer the league to use someone else, feeling embarrassed by the constant attention and preferring to see a more contemporary player featured.

Discussions of Changing the Logo

Over the years, there have been discussions about updating the NBA logo to feature another player, particularly after the passing of Kobe Bryant in 2020. Many fans and players, including some NBA legends, have advocated for Bryant to be immortalized in the logo to honor his contributions to the game and his impact on basketball culture.

Despite these calls for change, the NBA has so far retained the original design. The league values the timeless and universally recognized nature of the current logo, which has become synonymous with the NBA itself.

The silhouette in the NBA logo represents Jerry West, a player whose skill and influence have left an indelible mark on the sport. While the league has never officially confirmed this, the design’s origin and West’s significant contributions to basketball are well-documented. Whether the logo remains as it is or evolves to feature another iconic figure, it will always symbolize the excellence and excitement of the NBA.