NBA team remains nameless, T-shirts sell regardless

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- By the time Oklahoma City's NBA team takes to the court in November, the new team name and colors will have been announced. Until that information is released, fans can purchase an OKC NBA T-shirt, even if the logo is just temporary.

Brian Murphy is among the first to purchase the t-shirt and said he's excited about the team relocating.

The shirts arrived at Hibbett Sports at Quail Springs Mall Tuesday night and it didn't take long for employees to get them unpacked.

"I think just having Oklahoma City on the front of it signifies what we've accomplished the state, city and everything," said Brandon Hinton of Hibbett Sports.

The logo is the same one the players wore during the summer league last week in Orlando. Spokesmen for the NBA said the official new name should come as soon as next month.

"I ask my passengers on a daily basis for suggestions on team names," taxi driver John Booker said. "I've heard the tornadoes mentioned several times."

Oklahoma residents have mixed opinions about what the permanent name should be.

"I picked warrior because the Indian Warriors is our heritage from a long time ago," basketball fan David Farmer said.

Other names resonate with Oklahomans as well.

"Me and my friends really like the Thunder just because we think it would work really well," fan James Farris said. "There's a lot you can play off of that."

Hinton said fans have been calling his Hibbett Sports daily for shirts, name or no name.

"They're a pretty big hit right now," Hinton said. "We're hoping to sell a lot."

Starting Thursday, the NBA store will begin selling Oklahoma City products including mens, women's and children's t-shirts, as well as hats.