Grading the New Emoji/Hashtag for Utah Jazz, NBA

Indiana Pacers: #GoPacers

Like the Rockets, the Pacers are also celebrating their 50th season, but in my mind they’ve made it a lot cooler deal with a court logo, jersey logo and now an emoji. I love the “50 logo” incorporating the Pacers ball into it. However, the Pacers lose some points for their hashtag. The “Go Pacers” is pretty bland and with a new-look team and 50-year anniversary, it just seems like they could have gotten a little more creative on this. Heck, even #PacerNation would have been a little more catchy.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Clippers: #ItTakesEverything

In case you didn’t know, apparently in Los Angeles it takes everything. I guess I get what they were getting at, but…that still doesn’t mean I like it. Does this mean the Clippers are shying away from the whole #LobCity thing? And what about their new mascot, Chuck the Condor? I’m pretty sure even #CondorUp would have been cooler than what they decided to go with and that’s sad. Either way, the Clippers missed the mark on this one.

Grade: D-

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/790542597211037697

Los Angeles Lakers: #LakeShow

Alright, alright, us Jazz fans might not be too high on the Lakers, but this one is classic. Not only is it a good reference to the team’s past but also a good indication of the kind of team they’d like to become. The emoji logo is simple, but fitting, and a nice change of pace from simply using the primary logo like many other teams have done.

Grade: A

Memphis Grizzlies: #GrindCity

For a team that plays like the Grizzlies do, they absolutely nailed this hashtag. This hard-nosed, blue collar team most certainly is known for its ability to grind with any other team in the league. Plus, the Grizzlies logo is cool over all (though not as cool as the old Vancouver one), so I’ll go ahead and give them high marks.

Grade: A

Miami Heat: #HEATisOn

Maybe I should like this one because, you know, it’s sort of clever, right? When you play Miami they turn up the heat, the heat is on, blah, blah etc. No, I don’t like it. For one thing, I don’t get why Heat is in all caps and this cheesy attempt to associate their team name with them being a tough opponent (I think that’s what they were going for) just isn’t doing it for me.

Grade: D-

Milwaukee Bucks: #OwnTheFuture

Once again, I get what they’re doing. The Bucks are definitely an up-and-coming team loaded with young talent and they most definitely have a bright future. But on the other hand, I can’t really see this catching on with fans and in my opinion, in essence it says, “We’re going to suck this year, but stick with us and stay tuned because we might be good someday!” But I appreciate the creativity and luckily I’m a big fan of the Bucks logo so that gives them a slight boost.

Grade: C-

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/790570932146360321

Minnesota Timberwolves: #PowerOfThePack

Alright, I’m not going to hold back here. I LOVE this one. Like the Bucks, the Wolves are an up-and-comer, but instead of putting their anticipation off until the future, the Wolves are grouping in the team, fans, coaching staff, etc. and making everyone that has to do with the team a part of the Pack. This kind of reminds me of the Warriors’ #StrengthInNumbers, but it’s way cooler. And the wolf logo is way more exciting than some bridge in California.

Grade: A+