Knicks F Kristaps Porzingis yesterday "signed his third marketing deal," adding sports drink BodyArmor to "recent deals he signed with Delta Air Lines and Shifman Mattress," according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com. BodyArmor is "endorsed by the likes" of Rockets G James Harden and Warriors G Klay Thompson and counts Lakers G Kobe Bryant "as an equity partner." Porzingis will be "featured on BodyArmor in-store advertising as well as on billboards throughout" the N.Y. area. Later this month, the company will "have a '12 Days of Kristaps' promotion in which consumers will have 12 days to enter a radio-station contest that will allow the winner to meet" him. Porzingis has "turned into a marketing phenomenon among Knicks fans who have long clamored for something new to talk about." His jersey in the last month "is the sixth-most popular on NBAStore.com and on Fanatics, surpassed only by" those of Warriors G Stephen Curry, Bryant, Cavaliers F LeBron James, Basketball HOFer Michael Jordan and Thunder F Kevin Durant. Demand for Porzingis in the collectibles market "can be seen on eBay, where 42 autographed cards have sold for at least $300." ASM Sports VP/Marketing Chris Brantley, whose agency, reps Porzingis, said that an "exclusive autograph deal is on the horizon as are discussions for a new shoe deal." Porzingis' deal with Nike "expires at the end of the season" (ESPN.com, 12/9).
