New Jersey Nets part-owner Shawn Carter, who I’m told may be better recognized by his rap name “Jay-Z”, went on TV this morning to make an announcement about the Nets move to Brooklyn.
“We’ve decided that the final name would be the Brooklyn Nets,” said the rapper who grew up only minutes away from the center.
So officially, the Nets will remain the Nets, though it would appear they are going to change uniform colors. At the 2:30 mark of that video, Jay-Z said “yeah” when asked if there would be a special color for the Nets. Then he asked someone off camera if the color could be announced, but they apparently were told no.
Let me just say how thankful I am that they’re keeping the Nets name. Not because I have any connection or affinity for the name, but because for a while there, there was talk about them becoming the Brooklyn New Yorkers, which would have been one of the worst nicknames in all of sports.
The other announcement about the Barclay’s Center (where the interview was held) was that Jay Z will open the building with a concert or two, which should be fun. There’s no doubt he’ll put on the biggest spectacle possible as he christens the new arena in his old neighborhood.
Stay tuned, I’m sure official logos and team colors will be announced in the near future.