Ropers or 1-8-Sevens are both pretty cool, compared to Thunder

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i183/christuran/Clipboard01-5.jpg

At least we have a team. There's the bottom line. We'll all get used to the name, whether we like it or not. The NBA is full of names I think are worse: Heat, Magic, Wizards, Pacers, Clippers, Nuggets, Nets. Jazz in SLC and Grizzlies in Memphis is dumb, and we're just used to the Lakers in LA. Lakers is a pretty lame name if you think about it.

I think too much emphasis is being put on the name. In a few years, people won't care about the name because it will be synonymous with OKC. By that time, people will see the relevance of Thunder/Bison/Barons/Whatever to OKC because that is the name of the OKC ______; circular reasoning in a way, I know.

Imagine if the name "Lakers" wasn't taken already, and OKC decided to call the team the OKC Lakers. People would be losing their minds. However, when people hear "Lakers" they immediately think of LA and all of the success. No one stops to consider the meaning behind the name; it's just a name.

Imagine if you were named any differently. What if, instead of AFCM, I was PeterGocena; would that make any difference on how you perceive me? Hopefully, people form ideas about me based upon their interactions with me and not my name.

OKLAHOMA CITY...

Exactly, the fact that LA has won so many championships and is the home of Magic Johnson makes the Lakers a universally known product. Success will put the disappointment in the choice of names aside.

Ropers or 1-8-Sevens are both pretty cool, compared to Thunder

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i183/christuran/Clipboard01-5.jpg

Pardon my ignorance, but what the blank is a 1-8-Seven?

187 is the numeric code used by law enforcement officials, particularly in the U.S. state of California. The number is used for this purpose because Section 187 of the California Penal Code defines the crime of murder. It is usually pronounced One-Eight-Seven.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/187 (murder)

187 is the numeric code used by law enforcement officials, particularly in the U.S. state of California. The number is used for this purpose because Section 187 of the California Penal Code defines the crime of murder. It is usually pronounced One-Eight-Seven.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/187 (murder)

See, it makes perfect sense.

Pardon my ignorance, but what the blank is a 1-8-Seven?

nice "blank" usage

I don't necessarily love "Thunder", but I still haven't heard of a better name.

I agree. The funny thing about this is people will be like "Thunder is so ghey", then the next thing that comes out of their mouth is something like Barons:

http://www.damageready.com/uploads/BaronVladimirHarkonnen.jpg

Yeah, that gets me fired up! Can't wait for the chamber music intro and free tea giveaways!

Or maybe they mean Sasha Baron Cohen:

http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/m/sacha_baron_cohen_190107/sacha_baron_cohen_919414.jpg

Or maybe they'll suggest Marshals:

http://www.newportirish.com/images/MahoneyBlur.jpg

Well, maybe we'd at least get a parade at every game.

Of course, there's always this guy who spells it with two L's:

http://www.ye-gods.co.uk/images/photos/danny/DannyMercMarshall.jpg

For some reason they all find that stuff less lame than thunder:

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01428/pictures/lightening/images/wr-lightening_jpg.jpg

Ok, that's lightning, but obviously the Oklahoma City Lightning would be MUCH gheyer than Thunder, unless of course they're thinking of this guy:

http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/16/161593/13_2008/thunder.jpg

;)

Thunder is "ghey" because it is not unique to Oklahoma...and oh so predictable. Oklahoma doesn't have any more thunder than any other spot on the planet. I can just see all of the beer belly-d, tribal tattooed meat heads at the game yelling and screaming when Thunderstruck is played at the beginning - because suddenly they get to re-live every single high school football game that has ever been played since speakers were invented.

Thunder happens all over the USA.

Heat - less common than thunder.
Bucks - regional animal, Less common than thunder (50 states)
Hawks - regional animal, less common than thunder (50 states)
Bobcats - regional animal (50 states)
Lakes - Common, just like thunder
Suns - Common, just like thunder
Hornets - Common, just like thunder.

And I can argue those names are more common or just plain non-sensible for their current host cities:

Heat: It's really about the Humidity in Miami. Actual temps are higher in places like OKC, Houston and Phoenix.
Bucks: There's not a place in this country that's safe to drive at night because of these animals.
Hawks: All over. Plus, the team was the St. Louis Hawks once.
Bobcats: Them and cats like them are all over.
Lakers: Have you ever even been to LA?
Suns: Common the world over except for the upper and lower edges of the planet.
Hornets: They're everywhere, plus the nickname comes from a Revolutionary War nickname. Name makes no sense in NO.

Anyway, my point is this: While Thunder might not be the most original name, there's no denying that Thunder plays a huge part in daily life in OKC. The storms we have here are absolutely brutal and only Florida can top us in the lightning/thunder department. I mean, the thunderstorms we have here sometimes literally sound like warzone/bomb stuff. I think the name is totally appropriate and if they package it right (hint: Buffalo in the logo and as a mascot) it could be an amazing deal.

I don't really think thunder is gay...I liked thunderbirds better but will live with thunder...glad they didn't pick barons...Just wish they'd be done with it.

Nice work, BDP. :congrats:

Oklahoma has more Thunder than where I currently live.
S. California, it never thunders or do we see lightning. Which is why I do not understand the lighting bolts on my cities football team. The Chargers.
My wife would put credit cards on the side of the helmet.

My wife would put credit cards on the side of the helmet.

That would definitely make more sense.

Thunder is "ghey" because it is not unique to Oklahoma...and oh so predictable. Oklahoma doesn't have any more thunder than any other spot on the planet. I can just see all of the beer belly-d, tribal tattooed meat heads at the game yelling and screaming when Thunderstruck is played at the beginning - because suddenly they get to re-live every single high school football game that has ever been played since speakers were invented.

I beg to differ. You have members of this website that do not live in Oklahoma anymore suggesting they miss it here because of the type and regularity of thunder here as opposed to where they reside now. Also, a team name like Thunder would be good to associate the rest of the region (specifically Tornado Alley states) that does not have a pro team to call their own--virtually every state north of Oklahoma. So in essence, Thunder would be synonymous not just with Oklahoma but the plains states in general. This can create a wider fan base and hopefully diversify other fans choices of a team to root for in other states. It's a clear choice. Still not my favorite, but I can do with it.

I'm fine with it. I've always loved thunder and lightning. When I was a teenager, we used to have porch parties when there were thunderstorms going on, and now I always go out to the porch during a thunderstorm if I can. It's loud and impressive. I just wish it ended in "s". I'm with JWil too. If they use a bison or a thunderbird as the logo/mascot, I'll be a lot more fine with it. I just don't want some cloud with lighting coming out of it as the logo, or worse.......Thor.

Thunder is "ghey" because it is not unique to Oklahoma...and oh so predictable.

What would be an example of a non-ghey, unpredictable name, that is completely unique to Oklahoma?

In fact, how can it be unique to Oklahoma and unpredictable, because, well, wouldn't most predict that the name would in some way be associated with Oklahoma? Certainly, everything unique to the state would also be associated with it and, therefore, predictable?

Honestly, the only truly predictable thing in all of this is that a significant amount of people will complain about it.

nice "blank" usageWhat the heck is a "blank"?

I take it back.

I am highly sure that Bison is the mascot.

That would be fun if we have the mascot Bison on center of court, spotlight on him, Thunderstruck playin, loud thunder and lightning flashin before every home game.

I am highly sure that Bison is the mascot.

Because? I'm hoping you're right, because that's the logo and mascot I want, but wondered why you think you know.

89ers would have been the best name, period.

Oklahoma City Twisters or Tornado's would be more fitting to the area but I'm sure will get used to Thunder

89ers would have been the best name, period.

Not with the 76ers already established. And the fact that it would've simply been a recycled team name....from a different sport.

I like Thunder. I'm glad it looks like they have picked something that will remind people of Oklahoma. I'm glad it is something that establishes our identity. Look at Texas... they always go with a name that reminds you of Texas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Texans, etc.). Texas knows how to market itself. I think Thunder is a good name for us. A bison as our mascot could be cool if they do the costume right. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

I concur. The only time I ever hear thunder here in Houston is when some double-wide Texan is passing gas. Then again, that's the only time I head for cover. Oklahoma City Thunder? I'm in.

Bulls is unique - is there any other team named Bulls?

Im still going with Barons!

Bulls is unique - is there any other team named Bulls?

Im still going with Barons!

Chicago Bulls (NBA)
South Florida Bulls (NCAA)
Durham Bulls (MiLB
NY/NJ Red Bulls (MLS)
Jacksonville Bulls (USFL)
Buffalo Bulls (NCAA)


Look kids, America has had sports in a pro fashion since the Cincinnati Red (then Red Stockings) in 1866. The NL was organized in 1876. So since then, we've had around 132 years of organized pro sports in the USA. Think about all the teams that have come and gone since then. Basically, we're coming into this thing very late and most names have already been used bunches of times over. So the whole "make it original" thing means little to me.

Chicago Bulls (NBA)
South Florida Bulls (NCAA)
Durham Bulls (MiLB
NY/NJ Red Bulls (MLS)
Jacksonville Bulls (USFL)
Buffalo Bulls (NCAA)


Look kids, America has had sports in a pro fashion since the Cincinnati Red (then Red Stockings) in 1866. The NL was organized in 1876. So since then, we've had around 132 years of organized pro sports in the USA. Think about all the teams that have come and gone since then. Basically, we're coming into this thing very late and most names have already been used bunches of times over. So the whole "make it original" thing means little to me.

First off I am no kid and I don't appreciate the reference. I really don't care for you much but I let most things slide. But those sorts of of remarks I won't let slide.

If you do a google search on the following terms you get this back.

"Team Thunder" 78,100 articles
"Team Lakers" 52,400 articles
"team bulls" 29,000 articles
"team barons" 447 articles

That tells you which name is over used.

If uniqueness is the sine qua non, then why not the Flying Snake Rainbow Turds?

/Uniqueness is overrated in this process.
//There's nothing new under the sun...

Because? I'm hoping you're right, because that's the logo and mascot I want, but wondered why you think you know.

Didn't they consider Bison as possible team name? If so, and they chosen Thunder, then Bison will definately be the mascot.

Didn't they consider Wind as a possible team name? Officially, yes, but unofficially, no, cuz it was used to stir the pot among the Oklahomans.

Is the wind a great effect to use? Yes, in beginning of the game, during the introduction, they can have huge mega fans all around the arena blowing toward the fans while Thunderstruck is playin with booms and flashes.

Now, that I call ENTERTAINMENT!

A designer named Ian Bakar posted a new Bison-themed Thunder concept on Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Community. Pretty sweet, if you ask me...other than the type treatment of "Oklahoma City." Here's a link to his portfolio.

InsignionDesign2006 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b54/InsignionDesign2006/)

OKC aquires Joe Smith and Desmond Mason in 3-way trade with Cavs/Bucks

Now that the Olympics are over, I suspect they will anounce the team name this week, possibly Monday. I've read somewhere it will be by the end of August..and it makes sense to do it at the begining of a week rather than the end. Especially with people looking forward to the opening weekend of college football and family gatherings on a holiday weekend.

Also, this is burried somewhere in this thread, but I still think its worth mentioning again. go to:
www.nba.com/thunder
and then go to
www.nba.com/barons
or any of the other proposed names. We're basically waiting on the logo and colors.

You're probably right, but that's not necessarily sufficient evidence given the fact that the NBA probably never seriously considered Barons as a name due to negative connotations, especially with the way this team was acquired "robber barons."

Metro, the two examples, I'll make it clear for you.

www.nba.com/thunder page is blank. The page is uploaded as blank until info is ready to publish.

www.nba.com/barons There is no such known page that exist, that is why the system automatically direct us to the Page Not Found message.

It is clear that Thunder is the chosen name.

As a support (and I think originator) of Energy, it is looking more and more likely that the name is Thunder.

Enough with the weather relative names,call them the Barons.

Metro, the two examples, I'll make it clear for you.

www.nba.com/thunder page is blank. The page is uploaded as blank until info is ready to publish.

www.nba.com/barons There is no such known page that exist, that is why the system automatically direct us to the Page Not Found message.

It is clear that Thunder is the chosen name.

True, but this was pointed out WEEKS ago, this is not new information. The NBA even commented on the situation.

Barons!

Popele have said it'll be released before the end of the month. Any rumors that it will be this week?

The rumor I heard is the name, colors, and unis will be announced next week.

.oO(in time to see some good hawked, and worn, at the state fair?)Oo.