Ballmer believes his franchise may be presented with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change its identityNBAE/getty images
Clippers Chair Steve Ballmer last week said he would be open to rebranding the team ahead of a move to a new arena in '21, which continues to draw reactions in the media. ESPN's Jorge Sedano said it would be a "boss move" by the Clippers to change their name, as it would "get that stench off of you" of being a losing franchise for many years. He said the Clippers are "trying to attract young people, that's the way you change stuff." Sedano: "Start generational and you start very young." ESPN's David Jacoby said he "wholeheartedly" supports changing team names if they "no longer match the city you're in." The "Clippers" moniker was given to the team when it was in San Diego from '78-84 ("Jalen & Jacoby," ESPN2, 7/30). ESPN's Dave McMenamin said he would change the Clippers' logo and jersey because they are an "embarrassment." However, he said in terms of the team name, "if you do end up winning" with new Fs Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in this "great era, then you are really exorcising the demons of the Clippers" ("The Jump," ESPN, 7/30). Meanwhile, ESPN's Tony Kornheiser jokingly said if the Clippers want to change their name, "I would name myself the 'Los Angeles Lakerz' with a 'z.'" Kornheiser: "That's hip" ("PTI," ESPN, 7/30).
AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT: Fox Sports Radio's Ben Maller said, "If you look at the recent teams to change nicknames," such as the Bobcats (now Hornets), Hornets (now Pelicans) and Sonics (now Thunder), "they are all hot garbage." He said they are as "exciting as a wet noodle." Maller: "If the Clippers change nicknames, if they're going to be politically correct (then) don't do it. We don't need another soft nickname" ("The Ben Maller Show," Fox Sports Radio, 7/30).
