Pacers F Paul George "looks as if he will become the next small-market star" in the NBA, as he has "appeared on two major magazine covers and may be on the verge of becoming a major endorser," according to Michael Marot of the AP. If George "can have a similar performance in this year’s playoffs" as he did in last year's and "lead the Pacers on a deep playoff run, he could emerge as this postseason’s biggest winner." U/S Sports Advisors President Ken Ungar said, "I’ve seen estimates that LeBron James makes $42 million a year off endorsements. So how far can Paul take it? That's up to him." George spent part of last Thursday with Papa John’s Founder, Chair & CEO John Schnatter, "raising money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, perhaps a sign of what his next big business venture might be." George three weeks ago "made a splashy debut on the national advertising scene" in a Gatorade spot, "with a nifty crossover move and a spectacular dunk." Those inside and outside George's inner circle said that this is "just the start of a booming business for Paul George Inc., and that many more deals will soon be announced." However, the "biggest part of making a pitch is that George needs to keep winning and, perhaps, even bring home a championship to cement his status as the best emerging star in basketball" (AP, 4/19).
FAR EASTERN PROMISES: In Chicago, Bill Ruminski noted James "will be featured" in a McDonald's ad campaign in China later this year, as the company hopes he can "help it score with fast-food customers" in the country. McDonald's also "will redesign some restaurants in three Chinese cities and sign up more local franchisees in an effort to boost its business there" (SUNTIMES.com, 4/18).
