The Raptors May Change Their Colors to Black And Gold

So prior to the start of this season, the Raptors named musician Drake their "global ambassador" for the whole 'rebranding' process that the franchise would be undergoing in preparation for Toronto hosting the All-Star game in 2016.  Since I'm a fan of the Raptor's red/black/silver color scheme and a even bigger fan of their adorable raptor mascot appropriately named Raptor, I was a bit worried about what what changes Mr. Graham might bring to the Raps.

In September, organization president Tim Leiweke comforted fans of the Raptor mascot (like yours truly) by saying that they wouldn't be changing the team nickname.  However, yesterday it was reported that the team's rebranding might involve changing the team's colors to the colors that Drake used on his latest album cover.

From the Star's Doug Smith:

"Now, I’m not suggesting it’s a done deal and a lot of different people and companies are coming up with a lot of different looks and styles but I was told on the weekend that black and gold is definitely something being considered."

Now in no way or form am I saying that Drake is Jay-Z, but I'm already wary of this potential change.  In case you forgot, Jay was involved in a  similar rebranding effort when the Nets made their move from Brooklyn to New Jersey.  Although the color scheme of the New Jersey Nets is not exactly the most missed color scheme and logo (that would be the Sonics), the current Brookyn Nets' black and white is arguably the most boring color palate of any team in the league.  Maybe NBA teams should stop handing over the colors for their organizations to hip hop artists who mostly wear black.

Who knows though?  Maybe Drake will be a bit more creative than Jay-Z was with the Microsoft Clip Art-style Brooklyn Nets logo and really style the black and gold out on the Raptor's new jerseys.  It should be noted that black and gold is already synonymous with the New Orleans Saints and I'm not sure how good the Raptor mascot would look if it is covered in shiny gold fur.

An Explanation of A Mirza Teletovic Tweet About Bears

This is Mirza Teletovic

This is his tweet (translated from Croatian to English) 

"I do not know in America that we Herzegovinans kill a bear with his bare hands"

This is Mirza wearing the jersey of the country he plays internationally for, Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The tweet was after the Nets had beaten the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday night.

Iman Shumpert's Response To Trade Rumors This Week

"I’m not old enough to read the newspaper yet"
-23 year old Knickerbocker

Russell Westbrook Missed His PB&J Sandwiches

According to CBS's, Royce Young, the thing that Russ missed the most when he was out with his knee injury was sandwiches. His exact words:

"Coming in and eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, stuff like that."

Never have I been more curious about the exact taste of a specific make of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as the one Westbrook has before games.

Doug Collins Gives Big Macs to Fans

On the friday before Christmas, the Sixers ended their losing streak.

Ninety-nine on the 'board, the hungry fans started to freak

A basket, a free throw or even a Dorell Wright ill-advised three.

"Please just another point", thought those who love freebies.

Except the lead was too big; running up the score would not be appreciated.

No one wanted to see what would happen if Ivan Johnson became irritated.

Coach motioned to hold the ball,

and said ""I'll make it up to them all"

Evan did as was told and the clock hit zero.

1800 burgers on him; Doug Collins our hero.

Tweet: Elton Brand, the Libertarian

While a poll early this season made it clear that majority of NBA owners supported Mitt Romney and the players were in Obama's camp, one burly but nerdy power forward used his twitter account to share who he voted for:

kudos EB, for 

1) doing your civic duty 

2) not being afraid to share your party affiliation although it may polarize you from more ignorant NBA fans

3) being a good loser, which we often give athletes crap for although our whole lives we are encouraged to be gracious in defeat.