These Epic Redesigns for Every NBA Logo Should Be Adopted Now

By Gil Alcaraz IV

In recent years, it’s become a cool thing to do to redesign sports logos — especially among the graphic designer community. It’s a way of showing off your skills and building your portfolio while giving fans a fresh, alternative look at some of their favorite teams.

Designer Addison Foote recently decided to take his shot at every NBA team’s logo, and the results were sensational. While not all logos underwent drastic changes, just about every one is better than the original — although I’m sure some of you won’t agree with that assertion.

So see for yourself what Foote did with these 30 NBA logos, all of which he redesigned in 30 days. I’ve included the descriptions provided by Foote to give you some insight into his thought process behind each redesigned logo.

These Epic Redesigns for Every NBA Logo Should Be Adopted Now
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Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Credit: Addison Foote
This is a classic logo that need not be changed too much if at all. Since the name "Lakers" originated from Minneapolis and there are no lakes in L.A., I didn't want to bring elements from their name into the logo. Instead, I added a star inside the "R" which I think encapsulates L.A. very well.

Los Angeles Lakers

This is a classic logo that need not be changed too much if at all. Since the name "Lakers" originated from Minneapolis and there are no lakes in L.A., I didn't want to bring elements from their name into the logo. Instead, I added a star inside the "R" which I think encapsulates L.A. very well.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers Credit: Addison Foote
I based this logo off of the Cavs logo from 1983-1994. That logo was a simple wordmark using the "V" as a net with a ball going into it. Instead, I used the key / free-throw line to resemble the "A".

Cleveland Cavaliers

I based this logo off of the Cavs logo from 1983-1994. That logo was a simple wordmark using the "V" as a net with a ball going into it. Instead, I used the key / free-throw line to resemble the "A".

Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors Credit: Addison Foote
I took every piece of the Warriors current logo, but wanted to add an element that represented a warrior, so I chose a shield which embodies strength and resilience.

Golden State Warriors

I took every piece of the Warriors current logo, but wanted to add an element that represented a warrior, so I chose a shield which embodies strength and resilience.

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs Credit: Addison Foote
With this logo I wanted to use something that represented the city of San Antonio, so I used the Alamo to enclose the type. I made the spur at the base resemble a basketball and I even brought back a hint of their old colors to go with it.

San Antonio Spurs

With this logo I wanted to use something that represented the city of San Antonio, so I used the Alamo to enclose the type. I made the spur at the base resemble a basketball and I even brought back a hint of their old colors to go with it.

Miami Heat

Miami Heat Credit: Addison Foote
The Heat have only made minor tweaks and slight color changes to their logo. I wanted to keep it the same, but change it up more than it ever has at the same time.

Miami Heat

The Heat have only made minor tweaks and slight color changes to their logo. I wanted to keep it the same, but change it up more than it ever has at the same time.

New York Knicks

New York Knicks Credit: Addison Foote
I took bits and pieces from their current and one of their previous logos. I stuck with the 3D type, ball, triangular shape and pieced it all together and this was the result.

New York Knicks

I took bits and pieces from their current and one of their previous logos. I stuck with the 3D type, ball, triangular shape and pieced it all together and this was the result.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls Credit: Addison Foote
Like the Celtics, the Bulls have one of those logos that is classic and timeless. Therefore, I wanted to keep their original logo as a base and modernize it. There is a reason the Bulls are the only team in the history of the NBA never to change or alter their original logo.

Chicago Bulls

Like the Celtics, the Bulls have one of those logos that is classic and timeless. Therefore, I wanted to keep their original logo as a base and modernize it. There is a reason the Bulls are the only team in the history of the NBA never to change or alter their original logo.

Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets Credit: Addison Foote
I used their older color scheme with the yellow and red and tried to make the ball look like a planet. The rocket resembles the rocket from their 90's logo, but minimalized. The line beneath the word "Rockets" is the horizon of Earth.

Houston Rockets

I used their older color scheme with the yellow and red and tried to make the ball look like a planet. The rocket resembles the rocket from their 90's logo, but minimalized. The line beneath the word "Rockets" is the horizon of Earth.

Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers Credit: Addison Foote
The Clippers logo has always looked too similar to the Lakers logo, so I was glad they did a redesign of it. However, their new logo didn't really give any meaning to their team name. I took a more nautical approach by mixing the helm of a clipper ship and a basketball. The helm represents direction and control. I made the type wave as if it is sailing on the sea.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers logo has always looked too similar to the Lakers logo, so I was glad they did a redesign of it. However, their new logo didn't really give any meaning to their team name. I took a more nautical approach by mixing the helm of a clipper ship and a basketball. The helm represents direction and control. I made the type wave as if it is sailing on the sea.

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics Credit: Addison Foote
It's hard to completely start over with a rebrand of such a classic and well-known logo like the Celtics have, so instead of trying something totally new, I stuck with all of the same key elements their current logo has and modernized it a bit.

Boston Celtics

It's hard to completely start over with a rebrand of such a classic and well-known logo like the Celtics have, so instead of trying something totally new, I stuck with all of the same key elements their current logo has and modernized it a bit.

Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Credit: Addison Foote
This one was tough. I wanted to do something different, but I felt like all of the good ideas had been taken with all of the Raptors primary and secondary logos. I didn't want to use a claw or show a whole raptor, so I ended up using a raptor's eye as the focal point in the "R" and then placed a maple leaf behind it to represent Canada as the Raptors are the only Canadian and non U.S. team.

Toronto Raptors

This one was tough. I wanted to do something different, but I felt like all of the good ideas had been taken with all of the Raptors primary and secondary logos. I didn't want to use a claw or show a whole raptor, so I ended up using a raptor's eye as the focal point in the "R" and then placed a maple leaf behind it to represent Canada as the Raptors are the only Canadian and non U.S. team.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Credit: Addison Foote
I used both old and new Mavs logos as inspiration for this. I based it mainly off the old logo where the "M" is wearing a cowboy hat. I updated it a bit and used negative space to showcase a horses ears and head.

Dallas Mavericks

I used both old and new Mavs logos as inspiration for this. I based it mainly off the old logo where the "M" is wearing a cowboy hat. I updated it a bit and used negative space to showcase a horses ears and head.

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks Credit: Addison Foote
With this logo, I combined Atlanta's primary and secondary marks to create the letters "AH" using the lines of a basketball and the classic Hawk.

Atlanta Hawks

With this logo, I combined Atlanta's primary and secondary marks to create the letters "AH" using the lines of a basketball and the classic Hawk.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings Credit: Addison Foote
Lions are the king of the jungle. The Kings mascot is also a lion, so it was an easy choice to use a lion as their symbol. If you look closely at the crown, I used basketball lines to shape it.

Sacramento Kings

Lions are the king of the jungle. The Kings mascot is also a lion, so it was an easy choice to use a lion as their symbol. If you look closely at the crown, I used basketball lines to shape it.

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers Credit: Addison Foote
I used the liberty bell to represent the city of Philadelphia and kept parts of their previous logos such as the 13 stars.

Philadelphia 76ers

I used the liberty bell to represent the city of Philadelphia and kept parts of their previous logos such as the 13 stars.

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans Credit: Addison Foote
Pelicans...are not all that scary or fierce, but I did my best to portray a strong and determined bird while using a fleur de lis and type that represents the city of New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans

Pelicans...are not all that scary or fierce, but I did my best to portray a strong and determined bird while using a fleur de lis and type that represents the city of New Orleans.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder Credit: Addison Foote
OKC's mascot is a bison, so I created a tough looking bison and kept the shape of the shield from their current logo as the background. The shapes and lines throughout the logo depict lightning striking. I also removed the orange from their color scheme and added browns which I found more fitting.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC's mascot is a bison, so I created a tough looking bison and kept the shape of the shield from their current logo as the background. The shapes and lines throughout the logo depict lightning striking. I also removed the orange from their color scheme and added browns which I found more fitting.

Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards Credit: Addison Foote
I based this design off of Washington D.C.'s flag which is two red stripes and 3 stars. I used the Washington Monument as one of the basketball lines like in their current logo.

Washington Wizards

I based this design off of Washington D.C.'s flag which is two red stripes and 3 stars. I used the Washington Monument as one of the basketball lines like in their current logo.

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns Credit: Addison Foote
I took the shape of a basketball and removed two sections to create an "S" for Suns which could easily be used as a secondary mark.

Phoenix Suns

I took the shape of a basketball and removed two sections to create an "S" for Suns which could easily be used as a secondary mark.

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets Credit: Addison Foote
Since their new and older logos feature a hornet head on, I wanted to try a side-profile to be a little different. I used the lines of the basketball to create the shape of the hornet's stinger and used elements from their current and older logos such the wings and the "H" on the ball. I bordered the logo with a hexagon to symbolize a hive.

Charlotte Hornets

Since their new and older logos feature a hornet head on, I wanted to try a side-profile to be a little different. I used the lines of the basketball to create the shape of the hornet's stinger and used elements from their current and older logos such the wings and the "H" on the ball. I bordered the logo with a hexagon to symbolize a hive.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers Credit: Addison Foote
I based this logo off of the classic Blazers uniforms with the stripes running diagonally accross the front. Portland is called "The City of Roses", so I added rose thorns to the stripes to represent the city of Portland.

Portland Trail Blazers

I based this logo off of the classic Blazers uniforms with the stripes running diagonally accross the front. Portland is called "The City of Roses", so I added rose thorns to the stripes to represent the city of Portland.

Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons Credit: Addison Foote
Detroit is known as "The Motor City". Hence the name "Pistons". I used i piston to replace the "I" and tried to make their current logo look a little more "automotive" if that makes any sense?

Detroit Pistons

Detroit is known as "The Motor City". Hence the name "Pistons". I used i piston to replace the "I" and tried to make their current logo look a little more "automotive" if that makes any sense?

Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic Credit: Addison Foote
I remember looking at the DVD cover of one my favorite movies "The Princess Bride". I noticed that if you turned the cover upside-down, the text would read the exact same! I thought it was magic! I wanted to try something similar with the Orlando Magic logo. There is no diffence between this logo being upside-down or right-side up.

Orlando Magic

I remember looking at the DVD cover of one my favorite movies "The Princess Bride". I noticed that if you turned the cover upside-down, the text would read the exact same! I thought it was magic! I wanted to try something similar with the Orlando Magic logo. There is no diffence between this logo being upside-down or right-side up.

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets Credit: Addison Foote
I drew inspiration from their current logo and their older logos from when they were in New Jersey to create this. However, I always found it strange that the franchise has had 7 different logos in their history and none of them has had a net incorporated into the design! I a put a net into my version and kept the triangular shield along with a nice flowing typeface that represents the movement the net makes when the ball goes through it.

Brooklyn Nets

I drew inspiration from their current logo and their older logos from when they were in New Jersey to create this. However, I always found it strange that the franchise has had 7 different logos in their history and none of them has had a net incorporated into the design! I a put a net into my version and kept the triangular shield along with a nice flowing typeface that represents the movement the net makes when the ball goes through it.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves Credit: Addison Foote
I used their "wolf howling in the basketball" mark as inspiration for this. Rather than howling, I wanted this wolf to appear to be growling while baring his teeth. The lines on his ears and chest represent "timber".

Minnesota Timberwolves

I used their "wolf howling in the basketball" mark as inspiration for this. Rather than howling, I wanted this wolf to appear to be growling while baring his teeth. The lines on his ears and chest represent "timber".

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies Credit: Addison Foote
The current Grizzlies logo is cool, but it kinda looks like a really mean teddy bear that you'd want to snuggle with, but wouldn't dare try. I wanted to do something a little more fierce. I hid a "G" for Grizzlies in his ear and an "M" for Memphis to left of his mouth.

Memphis Grizzlies

The current Grizzlies logo is cool, but it kinda looks like a really mean teddy bear that you'd want to snuggle with, but wouldn't dare try. I wanted to do something a little more fierce. I hid a "G" for Grizzlies in his ear and an "M" for Memphis to left of his mouth.

Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks Credit: Addison Foote
I love the new Bucks color scheme. I'm not reminded of Christmas and Rudolph when I think of the Bucks anymore. Their new logo is a little cartoony which plays off their original logo very well. With mine, I wanted to try adding a little more realism.

Milwaukee Bucks

I love the new Bucks color scheme. I'm not reminded of Christmas and Rudolph when I think of the Bucks anymore. Their new logo is a little cartoony which plays off their original logo very well. With mine, I wanted to try adding a little more realism.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers Credit: Addison Foote
The Pacers have stuck with this look since the late 1960's, so I didn't want to change it too much. I tried to add more motion to it and give more meaning to their team name, so I added a checkered pattern to the "P" to represent a the checkered flag used in racing.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have stuck with this look since the late 1960's, so I didn't want to change it too much. I tried to add more motion to it and give more meaning to their team name, so I added a checkered pattern to the "P" to represent a the checkered flag used in racing.

Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz Credit: Addison Foote
I wanted to try and completely blend two logos together. I mixed their mountain logo and the classic music note logo to create this. I even used negative space in the aperture of the "A" to showcase the shape of the state of Utah.

Utah Jazz

I wanted to try and completely blend two logos together. I mixed their mountain logo and the classic music note logo to create this. I even used negative space in the aperture of the "A" to showcase the shape of the state of Utah.

Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets Credit: Addison Foote
I took a minimal approach and kept most of the same elements from Denver's current logo to create this.

Denver Nuggets

I took a minimal approach and kept most of the same elements from Denver's current logo to create this.

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