Dunk You Very Much: Knicks Trying To Capitalize On Robinson
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Knicks' Marketing Concepts Abound Around
Nate Robinson's Slam Dunk Contest Victory |
With a record that is nine games under .500, the Knicks are scrambling to make Sprite Slam Dunk Contest winner Nate Robinson the centerpiece of some marketing efforts. Robinson has been heavily featured on NYKnicks.com and is being pushed with in-arena announcements touting tickets and merchandise. Magic C Dwight Howard, who finished second to Robinson last weekend, will play the Knicks at MSG next week, and since Robinson dunked over Howard to win the title, Knicks officials are hoping to fashion some kind of tribute. For a game at MSG against the Nets on March 18, the day after St. Patrick's Day, the Knicks plan to honor Robinson by having the entire team wear green Knicks jerseys, like the one worn by Robinson while winning the dunk contest. However, adidas has yet to meet the demand for the green uniforms. An MSG spokesman said they will be sold on the Knicks’ Web site next week, but there is no sign of them on the NBA.com store. Other marketing concepts under consideration by the Knicks include a poster giveaway of Robinson's winning dunk, use of the trophy for an arena appearance or in a promotion and using Robinson as the pitchman for various Knicks ticket plans. However, while the windows of the NBA Store in N.Y. were still dedicated to All-Star Game merchandise Thursday, a clerk inside the store said they had no Robinson green apparel and did not know when they were getting any. Meanwhile, an out-of-house Spalding spokesperson said the company is “in initial talks with the NBA” about getting the green basketball to retail (Terry Lefton, THE DAILY).
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Robinson Dunks Over "Late Show" Staffer
During Apperance On Last Night's Show |
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE: Robinson appeared Thursday night on CBS’ “Late Show” to discuss his slam dunk title. When asked what he received from winning the event, Robinson said, “Just a trophy. And Nike made these beautiful shoes for me. … Nike helped me out. Warner Bros. and DC Comics, they came out and did a great job.” Letterman said of Robinson, who is 5’9”, “You are a great inspiration to kids who aren't 6’2”. I happen to be 6’2”. I could have played in the NBA. I played Mexican ball for years. I played for the Guadalajara Flying Serpent Lizards. But if you have the heart -- am I right Nate? -- that is all it takes.” Robinson then performed the dunk he featured in the dunk contest by jumping over “Late Show” stage manager Biff Henderson. Before he started the dunk, Letterman cautioned him, “Any time you are ready, and remember, if you don't feel it, call it off. … Safety first” (“Late Show,” CBS, 2/19).
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