Midjourney
We asked AI to generate brand-new logos for all 30 NBA teams. Some of these logos should make their way to the court immediately. Others…well, take a look for yourselves.
1. New Orleans Pelicans
Midjourney
AI started strong with this logo for the New Orleans Pelicans. The color scheme from the current look is carried over, and we particularly like the shade of gold used for the majority of the wings. The pelican itself looks strong — and the use of red completes the look.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Midjourney
Is anyone else seeing a fish hook in this design? The AI system may have drawn a bit of inspiration from LeBron James’ decision to leave the Cavs for South Beach — as the ‘C’ is on fire in this new-look logo. Cleveland’s current look isn’t great, but this design would be a downgrade for the franchise.
3. Brooklyn Nets
Midjourney
Say hello to the ‘BNKL BY KS’. Yeah, words are not AI’s thing when it comes to generating a logo for the Brooklyn Nets. With that being said, we are actually fans of the rest of the logo. The basketball in the middle of the image is striking. The ‘B’ at the bottom of the logo is a nice touch, as well. The apparent bridge surrounding the ‘B’ is fitting for the area.
4. Houston Rockets
Midjourney
A lot of fans believe the Rockets are due for a re-brand, and we agree. This creation has some elements that we enjoy. The shades of red and gold are rather nice, and the stylized ‘H’ is unique. We aren’t sure about the horns adorning the top of the logo — but there is something to work with here.
5. Utah Jazz
Midjourney
After the New Orleans logo, this is arguably the most realistic option so far. The ‘U’ and ‘J’ are easy to make out, and the ‘J’ somewhat resembles Utah’s classic musical note that has become synonymous with the franchise. It is a bit bland, but it would get the job done.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Midjourney
While we hope and pray that the Timberwolves will one day bring back their iconic logo from the Kevin Garnett Era, this will do in the meantime. This animal is far more intimidating than the current, howling wolf that appears in Minnesota’s logo. We are a fan of the red-eye. The only gripe here is the look of the four teeth.
7. Orlando Magic
Midjourney
You know you want to sing along with us…
Orlando Magic (Orlando Magic, yeah)
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic, wooahhh
Orlando Magic (Orlando Magic)
Orlando Magic (Yahoo)
Orlando Magic, wooahhh (Listen up)
Orlando Magic (You’d better beware)
Orlando Magic (You’d best beware)
Orlando Magic (We’re comin’ at you), wooahhh (Orlando Magic)
8. Indiana Pacers
Midjourney
We aren’t quite sure what to make of this logo. The blue and yellow hues that the franchise has utilized for decades are present, but the red is throwing us for a loop. The state bird of Indiana is the Cardinal — maybe that is what AI is going for with the bird-like presence in the middle of the logo.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
Midjourney
Like the Timberwolves, the Grizzlies would be better off reverting to their old, Vancouver Era logo. The current Grizzly is fine — but there is a lot of room for improvement. The design above is very similar to the current look. However, the exposed teeth and intensity in the Grizzly’s eyes are a big upgrade.
10. Denver Nuggets
Midjourney
The 2023 NBA Champions are given a solid alternate logo here by AI. The main set of mountains — colored red, yellow and blue — are strong, but we particularly like the subtlety of the mountain range lurking in the background. Denver has some solid logos as is, but this could be a nice addition.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Midjourney
We support this creation. There is nothing wrong with Charlotte’s current logo. It doesn’t compare to the classic ’90s hornet, but it is one of the stronger modern logos in the NBA. This AI creation looks like it could be featured on Charlotte’s court tomorrow. The sharp wings, bold teal color and dagger-like legs are all winners.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Midjourney
The Thunder are in dire need of a new look. To be fair, the team name doesn’t allow for many simple logo options. Of course, thunder is heard not seen. This thunderbolt design looks like something out of a Marvel movie. We are not the biggest fans — but we still hope OKC changes their look soon.
13. San Antonio Spurs
Midjourney
WINNER. This is our favorite logo yet. AI seemingly drew inspiration from the Texas Longhorns and created a gem of a logo. The Longhorn is powerful and the inclusion of the spurs below its face is a perfect choice. The shape of the crest is also unique. Bravo, AI.
14. Toronto Raptors
Midjourney
We were hoping for more from the AI when it came to Toronto’s logo. This raptor looks similar to ones we’ve seen in the Jurassic Park franchise, but it is a bit too realistic for the NBA’s Raptors. Please, bring back the ’90s logo and call it a day.
15. Washington Wizards
Midjourney
Another winning logo in our minds. The Wizards have been one of the worst teams in basketball for a few years, but this logo would give them a boost. The playful Wizard logo of old is out the window — in its place, AI has given us a fierce wizard. Does the wizard look a bit like a Ringwraith/the Witch-king or is it just us?
16. Los Angeles Clippers
Midjourney
The Lakers’ little brother is leaving for a new home for the 2024-25 season, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a new look for the Clippers as a result. Here, AI seemingly took LA’s mascot — Chuck The Condor — into consideration. The feathers are distinct and would be a funky look for the franchise. It’s bad, but it could have been worse.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Midjourney
This looks like a logo fit more for the Atlanta Falcons than the Atlanta Hawks. There is nothing inherently wrong with this hawk, but we are left wanting more. There is no basketball present in the look, and we are sorely missing some talons. Decent, but not good enough.
18. Detroit Pistons
Midjourney
The Detroit Pistons are currently an abomination on the court. The franchise has a ton of young players and a few appear to be rather good, but wins have not been on the menu often. Here, AI gives the franchise a small victory. The ‘D’ and ‘P’ work well together — although this logo looks more apt for an MLB hat than an NBA logo.
19. Portland Trail Blazers
Midjourney
AI must be a fan of The Oregon Trail. Portland’s pinwheel logo is one of the best in the league, so this is a downgrade. Additionally, the tree-centric logo is more fitting for the MLS’ Portland Timbers than the Blazers. AI did a fine job here but it is not a good fit for one of the NBA’s best-dressed teams.
20. Sacramento Kings
Midjourney
This logo is fitting. The Kings are a franchise on the rise, and this logo has an air of royalty to it. Drawing inspiration from Game of Thrones, the object behind the large ‘K’ resembles the throne that all of Westeros fought for. One thing that would make this logo a lot better? THE BEAM.
21. Phoenix Suns
Midjourney
AI looked at both names and created a very on-the-nose logo. A majestic, purple Phoenix spreads its wings. Lurking behind the Phoenix is a large sun. The sun helps illuminate the Phoenix, and the wings blend in with the rays emanating from the sun. This is a very strong look.
22. Dallas Mavericks
Midjourney
If this horse approached us in the wild…we would run away very, very fast. This horse is too realistic to become Dallas’ logo, but there is a lot to work with. The front-facing horse would be a good pivot from Dallas’ current logo. Additionally, the intense — borderline demonic — look on the horse’s face could intimidate some opponents.
23. Miami Heat
Midjourney
This is an utter failure. Miami’s classic logo is one of the best in sports so it was always going to be tough to accept an AI creation. However, we had higher hopes than this. The shades of pink/orange/yellow/red are fine and some of the smaller flames make it clear what the AI was going for. With that being said, the main flame logo is incredibly underwhelming and rather boring.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Midjourney
What is this nonsense? There is no ‘7’, no ‘6’, and even Benjamin Franklin is nowhere to be seen. Other than the color scheme, this logo is a complete whiff. The ‘P’ stinks. The shape of the logo is generic. What a letdown.
25. Milwaukee Bucks
Midjourney
Ding ding ding — we have another winner. The fire aside, this logo is an absolute gem. The buck head is sleek. The lines give a sense of texture which makes the animal feel alive. The eyes are striking, the antlers are large and in charge. If this logo utilized some purple like the Bucks of old, it would likely be our favorite AI creation.
26. Boston Celtics
Midjourney
Say goodbye to the leprechaun. Look, we are well aware that Boston’s iconic logo is not going away at any point. If the franchise were to change the logo, the fanbase would likely riot. However, we can also acknowledge that this is a decent option for a secondary logo. It wouldn’t be confused for any other franchise, and it would work quite well with merchandise.
27. New York Knicks
Midjourney
Are we looking at the Empire State Building? Perhaps the flame coming from Lady Liberty’s torch? Both? Other than maintaining New York’s color scheme, this logo looks far more like the one the WNBA’s New York Liberty currently feature. The Knicks have an iconic look — this isn’t awful but this wouldn’t work.
28. Chicago Bulls
Midjourney
Thanks to Michael Jordan and Chicago’s dynasty of the 1990s, the Bulls logo is one of the most recognizable logos in American sports — if not worldwide. This AI creation is pretty solid. We like the color scheme and the realistic bull head. However, the bull itself looks a bit bored.
29. Golden State Warriors
Midjourney
Golden State’s classic logo featuring the Bay Bridge is stellar — and the Bay Bridge remains in this AI logo. The sun surrounding the logo is unique and we actually like it quite a bit. As for the animal…we have no idea what to think. Is it supposed to be a bear? Whatever it is meant to be, it is pretty badass.
30. Los Angeles Lakers
Midjourney
Even AI didn’t want to mess with a classic. The Lakers have a truly majestic logo — one that has spanned decades and has become synonymous with greatness. This creation is certainly an eye-sore. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
