It would appear that Reebok is looking to up their presence in the NBA. Ever since the days of Michael Jordan, the basketball shoe wars have been dominated by Nike, while companies like Adidas have made some their presence known in recent years, and China’s biggest sportswear company Li-Ning recently made a splash by signing Dwayne Wade. While its unlikely that anyone will overtake Nike anytime soon, Reebok has made it known that they are looking to up their presence in the NBA, and their market share in the basketball shoe market, signing Philadelphia 76ers rookie centre (and high draft pick) Nerlens Noel to an endorsement contract today.
Noel is the first new name to be wearing Reebok as it is expected the company is looking to make a number of signings in the coming weeks. Already in the Reebok stable are Jason Terry (Nets), Isaiah Thomas (Kings) and Jameer Nelson (Magic). The company was hurt when John Wall (Wizards) left them for Adidas, but seem to be making a concerted effort to really step things up in the next little while.
Normally it is the perimeter players and slashers that have traditionally sold the shoes, but Noel thinks he can be different, telling Slam Sports, “I don’t think I’m just a prototypical big man. I think I’ll be able to sell shoes.”
“Growing up, I liked a lot of old school shows like Fresh Prince and Martin,” Noel said. “And what they (Reebok) really want to do is bring it back to retro—like, I have a flat top. So going retro, with not only the shoe but even off-court style.”
Noel was projected by many to be the first overall pick in the NBA draft, but fell to the 6th pick where he was taken by the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets would trade Noel in a draft day move to the 76ers for star guard Jrue Holliday.
A bigger presence for Reebok in the basketball shoe market could certainly increase competition and lead to bigger endorsement deals for NBA stars and up and coming prospects. The issues extend beyond the NBA level though, as Daniel Herrick noted earlier this week.
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