Just so you know, the Rockets marketing people found that only about half the fans preferred the red and yellow to the logo and colors of the current uni's. No one liked the pinstripes. And the players, to a man, want new uni's. They respect the old one's but they all want something that is unique to their era and, from what I've heard, they all love the new designs. One other note on this... There is an entire industry dedicated to "color forcasting." They are paid millions just to forcast what will be the popular color trends in cars, homes, clothing, etc. These trends end up in uniforms just like they do in clothing. If there is anything we should have figured about the Rockets current marketing staff it is that they are thorough. Why else would the VP of marketing post on a fan board? Knowing the Rockets as I do, they enter into NOTHING lightly, particularly when it will be making them money for the next 20+ years. If there truly was an overwhelming support for the red and yellow, you could bet that the outside of the damn arena would be red and yellow. That just isn't the case.
Maybe they ought to leave "Houston" off the jerseys so that they can sell more of them to the "Yao-only" fans.
I'm trying to imagine what cutting edge is. Is the jersey two tones? Like the shorts are blue but blend into red tops (like tye dye). Just put Houston on the front so we can represent on the road.
Hopefully it's not just the "lesser of the two evils" theory. Come to think of it, is there ANY uniform from ANY sport on ANY level that comes close to being as ridiculous as our current uni's? I think not.
I wonder if the marketing department of the Celtics is concerned with 'color forecasting' and what 'color trends' are popular each year? I don't really care much for trends when it comes to uniforms. That's how we ended up with a uniform crisis in the first place. Everything was fine before. Team colors and logos shouldn't change. Once you pick them, that's it. Of course when the people running the team are more concerned with merchandise sales than tradition, the tried and true will fall by the wayside. Oh well, I'm sure Yoko the designer is a huge Rockets fan and will give us a traditional look again.
My guess by these comments is that instead of Houston or Rockets there was just a large H or R like the S Superman has. Maybe it was HR. I'm guessing the league didn't approve it since they actually want the team name or city spelled out. I guess the league doesn't want a team looking like the justice league. B
gosh, Doc's comments make me sick to my stomach. A cape and WWF hood. great. Like everyone else is saying, it shouldn't be that complicated. It sounds like to me that the Rockets are pulling the coy marketing ploy where you are trying to introduce a new trend that might get rejected, so you first show the customer the most radical look first knowing they'll reject it, and then you come back with the look you actually want them to pick...that way it ends up looking more conservative than it really is. damn...keep it simple. don't try so hard. A super-duper new concept never before done in a basketball jersey...puke. They just don't get it. Remember, top designers are gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). They shouldn't be allowed to design jerseys, which are basically are silky underwear for sexy and sweaty buff men...
Jeff, I appreciate the insight you gave on the work ethic of the marketing department as well as the color forecasting industry, *however*, this is also the same group that trotted out the WORST UNIFORMS IN THE HISTORY OF ORGANIZED SPORT for the Rockets to wear. They have made a mockery out of players and fans alike by representing Houston with those horrific pajamas. I fear another disaster is in the works. Seriously, one has to question the judgment of the clowns in marketing when A) they selected the current uniforms and B) the NBA won't even permit them to use their new idea. How outlandish could the new design be for the NBA to outright reject it? I fear the worst here. I just wish the NBA had forbid them to use the pinstripes in the first place, then we wouldn't even have this problem. It's almost as if the bozos in marketing are trying to justify their jobs by coming up with something elaborate and creative -- something no one else would do. My advice to them -- keep it simple, lest you repeat your hideous errors of years past.
I am so intrigued as to what the new Unis would be. It's been said quite a bit that they are "cutting edge". I'm so interested as to what that means. I think a cape is the funniest thing I've ever heard. What about each player having his own small customization of the uniform, other than his name? Or does it a one-piecer? Does the Jersey have like a built-in shirt underneath it? I'm so interested!!
Maybe they had dettachable velcro letters and numbers so you can make your own name during the game lol and capri pants for the cutting edge on basketball.
This is not the same marketing group...it's totally been redone. But it is the same owner. "I want a new trend" surely comes from the top. So you are right in that respect.
Crap o rama I am psyched. Personally, I'd take the mustard and ketchup, but that is not coming back -- (by the way, I agree with Freak; color forcasting can kiss it. Good commerical art does not color forcast -- it comes up with something innovative and beautiful, SETS color forecastering trends, rather than following them...) But, with mustard and yellow gone, Doc Rudy's post makes them sound totally cool. Bring them on, baby. Up up and away. CBFC
Don't compate the Celtics rich history with the Rockets. The Celtics uniforms are timeless due to their history...such as the NY Yankees. The Rockets DO NOT have such history. Only a handful of teams in professional sport have uniforms that stand the test of time, and that is because their history is remembered in them and thus people overlook how old those uniforms look. Many franchises change their look/uniforms as time goes on to update their look and sell merchandise that fans want.
