NBA planning to put nicknames on jerseys for special games

[LongLiveTheKing]

MIAMI -- So long, James, Allen, Pierce and Garnett.

At least for one game, King James, Jesus Shuttlesworth, The Truth and KG may be headed to the backs of NBA jerseys.

Some members of the Miami Heat have been told the NBA is considering having them and the Brooklyn Nets wear "nickname jerseys" in at least one of their four matchups this season. The NBA has not announced the plan, but teams apparently have been aware of the likelihood of it happening for at least several weeks.

"It shows growth in our league and it shows we do adapt to what's going on around us," said Ray Allen, the Heat guard who plans to wear Shuttlesworth on his jersey, a nod to his character from the "He Got Game" film. "And we're still kids, playing a kids' game. Even though we're now men playing a kids' game, we still remember where we come from. Everybody had a nickname and it's a way to let the fans in a little bit more."

Players were asked to submit what names they would want on the jerseys.

Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James is expected to wear "King James." Heat guard Dwyane Wade would have any number of nicknames to choose from, with "Three" -- both his jersey number and championship-ring total -- being his current favorite.

Brooklyn forward Paul Pierce has been called "The Truth" for many years, and fellow new Nets forward Kevin Garnett has long been known by his initials.

The Heat and Nets are among the preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference, which Miami has won in each of the past three seasons.

Miami forward Shane Battier -- who wasn't exactly thrilled about the nickname idea -- said he wanted to wear "Batman" on his jersey, though was told that Warner Brothers holds the rights to that name, and other players have also had to deal with copyright-related issues with their suggested monikers. Battier said he'll go with "Shaneo" instead.

"Fans will like it and so will a lot of the players," Allen said. "Guys will get a good kick out of it."

That's a pretty cool idea. I would buy a jersey like that.

[xoneatom]

i dunno...

how about maybe just for the all star game?

[DuMa]

I like the idea but this is just another shameless attempt to make money off from the suckers who cant just buy one jersey. Stern, Cant blame him though. DAT JEW

I wonder who is gonna pick up 'HE HATE ME'

[Djahjaga]

Such bs.

I would have bought KG and The Truth Celtics jerseys in an instant. Great timing, Stern

[LongLiveTheKing]

King James would look so cool on the back of a jersey. I really hope but I doubt D-Wade will use "Flash". He'll probably use "Three" or "WoW" lol.

[Jameerthefear]

Sounds tacky imo

[KrizMiz]

Ray allen with Jesus or Judas ?

[Heavincent]

That's stupid.

[Eric Cartman]

Puts adds on the jerseys and add trampolines to the court while you're at it.

[DuMa]

[macmac]

Puts adds on the jerseys and add trampolines to the court while you're at it.

Ads on the trampoline so they ca literally jump to commercials all game long

[nathanjizzle]

this is a cool idea. id like to see it happen for an allstar game.

[niko]

Can JR just have a marijuana leaf?

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

I'll agree w/ the others who think it's stupid.

[TheMarkMadsen]

Ghetto as hell