It started with players like Steve Francis and Shane Battier, then Jason Kidd, Ron Artest, Baron Davis and more. Now we have a full-fledged trend on our hands where NBA players are increasingly willing to sign with foreign-based footwear brands. The latest example is Boston Celtics PF/C Kevin Garnett, who, despite signing a ‘lifetime endorsement deal’ with adidas in 2003, has contracted with Chinese brand ANTA. This is a particularly interesting development as ANTA was established in 1994, just one year before Garnett’s rookie campaign. With Li-Ning, Peak and now ANTA all throwing their hats in the ring, it’s very possible Nike will have more than just adidas and Reebok to contend with over this next decade. Via CK.
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