Thunder G Russell Westbrook is being "groomed to be the face" of Nike's Jordan Brand, according to Jill Hudson of THE UNDEFEATED. Westbrook last month released his "signature 0.2 lifestyle shoe" ahead of the '16-17 NBA season, and Jordan Brand has "high hopes" for the shoe, the second collaboration between the two. Jordan Brand has "invested in a crop of NBA All-Stars whose popularity continues to be on the upswing," including Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, Clippers G Chris Paul, Clippers F Blake Griffin, Pistons C Andre Drummond and Spurs Fs LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard. However, Westbrook is Jordan Brand’s "highest-profile athlete, the NBA player whom Jordan compares to a younger version of himself, and the man most likely to keep the brand relevant to a new generation of NBA fans who like his aggressive style of play." Nike’s '16 annual sales numbers for Jordan Brand showed revenue was up 18% to $2.8B over '15 numbers. Total Jordan Brand sales in '16 "doubled Nike’s overall basketball segment," which had revenues of $1.4B (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 11/16). In Oklahoma City, Erik Horne reports as Jordan's ownership stake in the Hornets has grown, he has "become more of a peripheral figure in marketing." That means Westbrook has "taken steps forward as the face of the brand." Westbrook "stars in Jordan commercials that have become his canvases." He said, "I have different ideas that come in my mind, different ideas of what I want to see with my brand." Horne notes the comparisons to Jordan "will continue as Westbrook meets milestones and expands his impact off the court" (OKLAHOMAN, 11/17).
