RealGM

Orlando Magic – An area-wide contest brought the decision down to two names—"Magic" and "Juice." In the end a panel of local community leaders chose the former because the word magic works its way into the Orlando area in quite a few different regards. There's the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, for one, and if that weren't enough the city's tourism slogan is "Come to the Magic." While "Juice" (presumably referencing Florida orange juice) sounds more delicious, It probably would've been considerably less marketable. But I suppose handing out free Tropicana when the team scores 100 points is healthier than a Taco Bell softshell or a Big Mac.

New Jersey Nets – Originally based out of New York and known as the New York Americans in the old ABA, the franchise switched the name to "Nets" in their second year of existence. Such a change seems naturally considering it was, after all, a basketball team, however choosing that name wasn't done just because nets are the thing the basketball goes through; it was also chosen to rhyme with two other New York area sports teams—football's New York Jets, and baseball's New York Mets.

Sofa King wrote:I never made that connection until now. Nets, Jets, Mets. LOL

Knicks... can't wait for the New York Dicks. LOL

Sofa King wrote:I never made that connection until now. Nets, Jets, Mets. LOL

Knicks... can't wait for the New York Dicks. LOL

Minnesota Timberwolves – A contest to name Minnesota's new franchise in 1986 resulted in two finalists: the Timberwolves and the Polars. The final decision was a result of all 842 city councils in the state choosing which name they preferred. Since Minnesota has the largest population of timberwolves in the continental U.S. states and the wolf is a highly revered and featured animal at state zoos, it seemed to make more sense than "Polars" anyway. While it's certainly plenty cold in the Twin Cities during basketball season, the inevitable polar bear mascot would've been untrue to the region. From pretty much every standpoint, Timberwolves was the smartest choice. Coincidentally, the team's first logo was the result of a fan contest as well.

Phoenix Suns – The Arizona Republic sponsored a contest to name the team way, way back in 1968 because co-owner Karl Eller couldn't think of anything. A woman named Selinda King won $1,000 and season tickets for the team's first season for suggesting the eventual winner. Why "Suns"? Because Arizona is a state known for it's beautiful and colorful sunsets—hence purple and orange being the dominant team colors.

snaquille oatmeal wrote:http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13604

link to west coast teams

Sofa King wrote:I never made that connection until now. Nets, Jets, Mets. LOL

Knicks... can't wait for the New York Dicks. LOL