One season after Knicks G Latrell Sprewell "put his
hands around his coach's neck, he now has great potential to
be a hot commodity on Madison Avenue," according to Gary
Tuchman of CNN's "Moneyline," who profiled Sprewell's rise
in popularity along with his recent AND 1 commercial.
Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss "have both expressed interest in
retaining Sprewell's services," and "several marketing firms
have called Sprewell's agent on behalf of their clients."
Sprewell "will likely consider offers once the NBA Playoffs
are over." AND 1 reps wouldn't reveal how much they are
paying Sprewell in its endorsement deal, but company execs
did say "it is a very large amount of money" (CNN, 6/16).
In Milwaukee, Eugene Kane writes that Sprewell "may strike
you as an odd choice for a commercial spokesperson." Kane:
"On the other hand, he may be perfect. Because the American
Dream is all about making yourself over, getting a second
chance. ... Love him or hate him, Sprewell has come back
from infamy like a champion" (MIL. JOURNAL SENTINEL, 6/17).
THE BANDWAGON? NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay writes that
boosted by the Knicks' "improbable success in the NBA
playoffs, team merchandise is selling again." NH-based Pro
Player spokesperson Peter Seligman, whose company produced
Eastern Conference Championship locker room T-shirts, said
sales "will be five times bigger than for the Bulls' Eastern
Conference finals win last year because they were repeat
winners." Zipay writes that the Knicks winning the Finals
"would be a healthy sign" for the NBA, as sales of its
licensed merchandise has been "plummeting" in recent years
(NEWSDAY, 6/17). Modell's Manager John Conway said that his
store sold out of Eastern Conference Championship hats a
half-hour after they went on sale. SGB Managing Editor Cory
Bronson, on the impact the Knicks could have on sales: "A
major market team in the finals bodes well for the retail
market. But that doesn't mean the situation has entirely
changed" (Bergen RECORD, 6/17). The AP's Joy Russell Perez
reports that the NBA Store in N.Y. "sold all" of its 200
Eastern Conference Championship T-shirts and 100 hats
"within two hours of opening" Monday. Store Manager Gary
Jockers, who ordered 500 more shirts and 300 more hats:
"I've never seen anything like this before" (AP, 6/17).
HE'S GOT PERSONALITY? In Philadelphia, Phil Jasner
wrote that Spurs F/C Tim Duncan "could have loads more
[endorsements] but declines," and that for Duncan, speaking
engagements "are out," personal appearances are "accepted
occasionally" and commercials are "mostly" turned down.
Duncan's business manager Marc Scott, on Duncan: "People see
him as a non-personality. ... Believe me, he has a
personality. He just doesn't feel he needs to show it to
everybody" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/16). In Chicago, Jay
Mariotti writes on Duncan's marketing appeal: "Does every
post-Michael Jordan superstar have to be a flashy, sexy
marketing machine? Does every new kid have to flaunt a
style, make a fashion statement, put a shoe ad above a
championship?" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/17).
WALK IN THE SUNSHINE, SING: In San Antonio, David
Anthony Richelieu reports that city execs changed their
minds and will allow banners and signs supporting the Spurs
along the city's River Walk district. Historic preservation
officer Ann McGlone: "We can allow temporary signs and
banners." Historic & Design Review Commission Chair Ron
Gossen said the signs "must come down within 24 hours of the
Spurs winning the championship" (EXPRESS-NEWS, 6/17).
