Clippers F Blake Griffin will "soon be joining Jordan Brand," according to a source cited by ESPN.com's Jared Zwerling. Griffin, who signed with Nike during his rookie season in '09-10, was "wearing a royal blue version of the Jordan Brand Super Fly sneakers during the Clippers' season opener at home on Wednesday night." Jordan Brand "didn't specify if Griffin will be wearing the Super Fly sneakers this season or eventually his own signature shoe." Data from market research firm SportsOneSource indicates that Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike, made up 71% market share of the U.S. basketball shoe market in '11 (ESPN.com, 10/31). CBSSPORTS.com's Ken Berger noted Griffin "joins teammate Chris Paul in the Jordan Brand stable," which also includes Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, Heat G Ray Allen and Nets G Joe Johnson. Jordan Brand in October signed Thunder G Russell Westbrook (CBSSPORTS.com, 10/31). Heat G Dwyane Wade last month left Jordan Brand to sign a deal with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning.
REAL MEN WEAR PINK: CSNNE.com's Jessica Camerato noted Celtics F Jeff Green and G Rajon Rondo during Tuesday night's Celtics-Heat game wore Nike Air Foamposite Ones "in a polarized pink colorway" in support of breast cancer awareness. Rondo had already received the shoes, however Green had to get his pair "overnighted to Miami in time for Tuesday's game against the Heat." Green said, "I have a couple friends who have cancer. This was my way of showing I support them and raise awareness toward it." Both players "wanted to take advantage of their only game during Breast Cancer Awareness month to sport the sneakers" (CSNNE.com, 10/31).
