ESPN reports that the NBA, for at least one game, may be putting nicknames on the back of jerseys next season. Some members of the Miami Heat have been told the NBA is considering having them and the Brooklyn Nets wear jerseys with their monikers of choice on the back instead of their last names. Does anyone else think this gimmick is one of the worst ideas the NBA has ever had?
While I don’t like the idea at all, I admit that this may make sense for star players like “King James”, “The Truth”, “Flash” etc., but what about the scrubs and role-players that no one cares much about? Word is Shane Battier submitted “Shaneo” for his nickname. Does anyone even call him that?
If this actually comes to fruition, this is an obvious and shameless money-grab tactic by the NBA to sell merchandise. I’m sure the arena will be stocked with special edition jerseys, and the NBA store will do considerable sales as well. You gotta figure the Miami Heat “Birdman” jerseys will fly off the shelves.
Anything to make a buck, I guess.
