Stephen Curry is "walking a sociopolitical path" Michael Jordan "wouldn't dare," as the Warriors G serves as the face of a major sports apparel company (Under Armour) and automobile brand (Infiniti), according to Monte Poole of NBC SPORTS BAY AREA. Curry is "acutely aware that his level on the global popularity meter generally ranged between ultrahigh and insane." But "principles are at stake and he has more than a few," which is why Curry is "willing to alienate a segment of the marketplace." Curry said, "I'm well aware that, in this world, there’s no way you can please everybody and there’s no reason that you should want to. I'm very comfortable understanding that, and not letting that affect my view or my stance." Eight months ago Curry described President Trump as an "ass." He was also among the "first group of athletes to speak out" against Trump. Last month Curry said that he "didn't want to go to the White House, a statement that prompted Trump to withdraw an invitation never delivered" (NBCSPORTS.com, 10/11).
FROM LONG RANGE: USA TODAY's Sam Amick writes while Kobe Bryant has "built a dominant brand in China, Curry is challenging" him. Curry "bypassed Bryant in China jersey sales in April, and he did it" using what Warriors President & COO Rick Welts "calls 'the Kobe Bryant playbook.'" Bryant has visited China every year since '98. By comparison, Curry, whose latest shoe has a “Year of the Rooster” colorway that is meant to honor Chinese culture, has now "made six trips to China during his eight-year career (three with the Warriors, and three with Under Armour)." Curry was one of 25 NBA players to "visit here this latest offseason." He said, "To be able to give them a piece of me, but something that reflects their culture and not just cut, copy and paste what we do in the states and bring it here (is important). (Chinese fans) have a genuine passion for the game, and it's kind of crazy. It shocks you how much they know about you, the lengths that they go to get up close and personal, whether it's coming to the hotel trying to get an autograph out front, or whether it's coming to an activation event, or coming to a preseason game. The culture is so different, (and) it's something you don't want to take for granted" (USA TODAY, 10/12).
