Hooper (mascot)
Hooper (born March 3, 1996) is the mascot of the National Basketball Association's Detroit Pistons. He generally appears as a horse wearing a Pistons jersey. The symbolism is, that like the pistons they are named after, the team produces horsepower, hence the equine mascot. Hooper became a part of the Pistons team on November 1, 1996, replacing Sir Slam A Lot, and it did not take very long for him to become the most popular mascot in Pistons' franchise history.[1]
![](../I/Hooper%252C_the_official_mascot_of_the_Detroit_Pistons.jpg.webp)
Though Hooper was introduced during the "teal era" to coincide with the Pistons' new equestrian logo, his popularity as a mascot allowed him to remain a part of the team despite the Pistons' returning to their previous colors and basketball logo only a few years later.
Over the years Hooper has grown, evolved, and become beloved by Pistons players and fans alike. He has undergone a few changes, as he was originally a larger character with a red and yellow mane and tail (to match the teal era logo), Hooper has undergone updates as the team logos have evolved. With the move down to Little Caesars Arena Hooper now sports a red and blue mane and tail, and a grey/chrome nose and around his eyes as a nod to the auto industry in the Motor City.
![](../I/Hooper_at_Milliken_State_Park_Lighthouse.jpg.webp)
Fictional background
Hooper was born in Lucky, Kentucky, and was originally trained to be a racehorse. But Hooper knew he was too talented to be relegated to horse racing, so he trained long and hard to master his craft and hone his skills, until finally earning his spot as the Pistons' official mascot. Hooper can be seen in parades atop his ride, the Hooper-Mobile, riding around the city on one of his many motorbikes and ATVs, and shooting t-shirts from his t-shirt cannon in games. He may not be the best dancer on the planet but he loves to try. Hooper celebrates his birthday at a Pistons home game with Roary from the Detroit Lions, Paws from the Detroit Tigers, and many of his other fellow NBA mascots.<ref>http://www.nba.com/pistons/about-hooper</ref ==References== http://www.nba.com/pistons/hooper <references />