The Photo Behind the NBA Logo Has Surprisingly Humble Origins

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The NBA logo symbolizes basketball excellence and has a surprisingly simple origin. Jerry West’s silhouette is the center of a decades-old mystery.

Key takeaways

• The NBA logo was designed in 1969 by Alan Siegel, featuring the silhouette of Jerry West.
• The league has never officially confirmed West as the figure, avoiding legal complications.
• Photographer Wen Roberts captured the iconic action shot used in the design.
• Fans have debated changing the logo, especially after Kobe Bryant’s passing in 2020.

The birth of an iconic NBA logo

The NBA logo, one of the most recognizable sports emblems, was created in 1969 by designer Alan Siegel. 

His vision was simple: a white silhouette on a red and blue background encapsulating the sport’s energy. But the question was—who would represent the league?

Turning to Sports Magazine editor Dick Schaap, Siegel sifted through countless photographs until he found the perfect image: an action shot of Jerry West, captured by photographer Wen Roberts.

The leaning, dribbling pose had a natural sense of motion that made it stand out.

Why Jerry West? Aesthetics over honor

Despite being a basketball legend, Jerry West wasn’t chosen for his accolades. 

Alan Siegel admitted, “I was attracted to it because it was nice and vertical… had a little motion to it.” It was about aesthetics, not an homage.

The design was an instant hit. Siegel recalled that when he presented it to NBA Commissioner J. Walter Kennedy, it took just 30 minutes to approve.

Should the NBA change the logo?

Following Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020, fans petitioned to replace the logo with his silhouette, arguing that his influence on the game deserves recognition. 

The debate continues while the league hasn’t acted on the calls for change.

The NBA logo remains unchanged, a lasting relic of a moment captured in time, proving that even a simple image can define an entire sport.

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