Exactly this is part of the problem, I think.
With style icon (for better or worse) Jay-Z so closely associated to the brand, it becomes something else than it should be. I believe he owns something around just under 2% of the franchise, however he is without a doubt the name and the face and it was his to appoint the graphic designer responsible.
That the most famous and valuable asset to the team is not a player put a rapper, should be telling enough.
Basketball itself is completely pushed into the background and just frankly becomes a vehicle for another lifestyle and fashion brand.
This makes me a bit sad and I hope it is not foreshadowing a new era in professional sports.
Even if I look past all the issues with the design itself, I have trouble taking this whole thing seriously.
As a sports fan, I am disappointed. If I were a Nets fan, I’d be outraged.