Category Archives: Basketball
Basketball and branding
Systems thinking and the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers is one of the greatest franchises in the history of modern sports. They won the NBA championship 16 times and missed the play-offs just five times! I have always admired the “championship-or-bust” mentality of this organization. After a couple of “relatively” unsuccessful seasons, the Lakers decided to assemble a “super team.” They signed four future-Hall of Famers, and hired a magician coach. They were expected to be uber-dominant – to win it all this year. Be that it may, the Lakers have lost 21 of their first 37 regular season games! They also lost all 8 of their preseason games. So, the super team won only 16 of its last 45 games. Clearly something is not working, and I think it has nothing to do with basketball. Just like in the Raptors’ case, this is an “organizational” issue…
Systems Thinking and the Toronto Raptors
Two years ago, I wrote an article about the Raptors’ brand strategy, or lack thereof. Recently, I asked the Raptors Republic community what has really changed over the last two years. The topic generated some interest and started a nice dialogue, so I decided to edit my comment and share them with you. It is about systems thinking and Toronto Raptors. Enjoy it!
In the universe, everything is interconnected. The First Nations’ Medicine Wheel is the prime example of such thinking.
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 3
This is the third and the last instalment of our LeBron James, myths and archetypes series.Previously, we talked about the significance of the relationship of James and Wade, James’ story,his recovering popularity, and how he compares to Jordan. Let’s roll out!
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 2
Previously, I shared some of my thoughts on LeBron James, mythology and archetypal psychology. Let’s continue from where we left off. This is the second instalment of a three-article series.
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 1
As expected, LeBron James has finally won his first championship. I’d like to share my thought on the mythological and archetypal significance of his first ring. This is the first installment of a three article series. Let’s go!
Brand Jordan
NBA lockout is about to end. The hot topic of discussion is what’s the damage to Brand Jordan?
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all times. But his skills and will are not enough to explain how he became the magnetic person that he is. During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Michael Jordan said: “There won’t be a new Michael Jordan.” This is a false statement, because who we knew and adored as “Michael Jordan” was actually not an individual. The magnet was the “Warrior/Hero archetype.” Read the rest of this entry
LeBron James: Really a villain brand?
A lot has been written and said about LeBron James and his famous decision to sign with the Miami Heat. So why address this topic now? Hasn’t everything been said about “the decision?” My answer is “no”, because nobody looked at this issue from brand strategy perspective. So let’s put our branding goggles and see whether James is a villain, indeed. Read the rest of this entry
What is missing from the Toronto Raptors’ brand strategy?
I am a huge basketball fan and I support the Toronto Raptors. However, this article is not about my team’s unsuccessful season. If you want to discuss basketball, www.raptorsrepublic.com is the place to be. Some of the most knowledgeable basketball lovers write there. This article is written from a pure brand strategy point of view and should be treated as such. Read the rest of this entry
Orlando Magic’s new identity
Orlando Magi, one of NBA’s elite franchises, announced its new logo. If I am not mistaken, this is the third logo of the franchise. Last time Magic changed its logo, the club chose a much more subtle approach. This time? Not so much… Read the rest of this entry
The visual identity of the 2010 FIBA World Championship
The World Cup South Africa is not the only world tournament taking place this year. In August, Turkey will host the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Best basketball teams in the world will fight to claim the top spot. Considering the huge popularity of basketball in the States, in China and some parts of the Europe this event is going to be a fantastic one. Turkey has been preparing for the Championship for years, building modern arenas in many cities. Recently, they launched the promotional campaign. Today, I would like to evaluate the visual identity of the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Read the rest of this entry
