Raptors rookie F Vince Carter is profiled by Chris
Young of the TORONTO STAR, who writes that comparisons
between Carter and Michael Jordan "are inevitable." Carter
has an endorsement deal with Puma that "could max out" at
$1M this year and includes a signature shoe (the VI) and a
"possible" clothing line. Carter, on choosing Puma over
other companies: "I want to go my own way -- but that was
the best deal we could get." Puma N.A. President Jim Gorman
said Carter's "got the background and the family. He's a
pretty refreshing guy to do business with. His integrity is
unbelievable and he's honest" (TORONTO STAR, 2/25).
HISTORICAL HILL? Pistons F Grant Hill will launch his
3rd annual "Shoot the Net" sweeps March 1 on his Web site,
www.GrantHill.com. The six-week program will be sponsored
by several of Hill's corporate partners, including Fila,
McDonald's, Wilson, Nestle, Kellogg's, Northwest Airlines
and Ladd Furniture. Visitors who correctly answer questions
on 20th century U.S. history will have an opportunity to win
prizes from the sponsor of that particular week. Up to 500
winners will be selected each week (Total Sports).
KINGS FOR A VLADE? The Kings officially announced a 10-
year sponsorship agreement with PepsiCo, making it the
exclusive soft drink supplier of the Arco Arena through
2008. PepsiCo has marketing deals with eight NBA teams,
with the other seven being the Nuggets, Rockets, Pacers,
Lakers, T-Wolves, Magic and 76ers (Pepsi).
