Bad news for fans of the BrooklyKnight: Grantland reports the Brooklyn Nets mascot won't return next season, and is likely headed for mascot limbo. "We put a lot of effort into the BrooklyKnight," the team said in a statement, "but we've decided to go in a different direction."

The current mascot is the result of a 2012 consulting deal with Marvel, which designed a basketball-themed superhero in a metal mask and shield. As the BrooklyKnight's Instagram shows, the Marvel connection continued to play a role in his appearances. In addition to photos of the mascot with Nets fans, there are shots of the "official superhero of the Brooklyn Nets" at New York Comic Con 2013, posing with cosplayers and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. convertible.

The mascot's bio is still available via NBA.com, where the comic book connection is even more apparent.

Brooklyn's champion has completed his first season defending the borough, letting the league know that Brooklyn is back and its power will never die. Ready to rise from the floorboards of the Barclays Center whenever a challenger comes calling, the BrooklyKnight knows it won't be long before he's needed again.

Eternal guardian of the Nets, BrooklyKnight draws strength from the beating heart of the borough that birthed him, passion for your team and your arena given form. He responds to your calls, the rumble of Brooklyn's collective energy directing him where he's needed most.

In fact, his origin was told in a Marvel Custom Solutions comic by none other than Original Sin creative team Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato, copies of which were distributed in 2012 on opening day at the Barclay Center.

"As a Brooklynite and a hardcore hoops fan, for me to get the opportunity to help create a super hero for my home borough's new team was a dream come true," Marvel Editor-in Chief Axel Alonso said in 2012 press release. "Working with the Nets staff, we have created a team super hero that is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen; a timeless character who can stand shoulder to shoulder with icons like Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, and Thor. Let's go, Nets!"

BrooklyKnight, RIP. 11/1/2012 - 7/10/2014