Tatum shifts to Jordan from Nike, where he helped usher in a new wave of sneaker technology this seasonNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Jordan Brand has added Celtics F Jayson Tatum and Wizards first-round pick F Rui Hachimura to its roster of athletes (Nike). CBSSPORTS.com's Ruben Palacios noted Tatum had been with Nike the first two years of his career, as he "helped usher in a new wave of sneaker technology by being among a select group of NBA players selected to debut the Nike Adapt BB this season." Moving Tatum to the Jordan Brand line "raises some questions," including whether Nike is looking at "another bigger addition." LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo already are among Nike's top NBA endorsers, and it is possible the company wants to "spread out" some of its roster "in order for a massive marketing campaign" should it sign Zion Williamson (CBSSPORTS.com, 6/21). In Boston, Michael DePrisco noted Tatum finalized the deal on Friday, and "celebrated Saturday by hanging out with Michael Jordan himself." Tatum was pictured with "fellow Jordan Brand athletes" such as Kemba Walker, Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin and Maya Moore. There are not many Jordan Brand athletes, so the fact that Tatum has "reached this level two years into his NBA career is impressive in its own right" (NBCSPORTSBOSTON.com, 6/22).
INTERNATIONAL MOVES: WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Katya Foreman noted with the '24 Paris Games approaching, Jordan Brand is "looking to up its presence in the city." A Jordan Brand store -- the "Jordan Bastille" -- opened in Paris in '16, and the brand the following year partnered with the French Basketball Federation. Last year marked Jordan Brand's "first collection" with Ligue 1 soccer club Paris Saint-Germain. The brand recently "unveiled its second collection of lifestyle pieces" for PSG (WWD.com, 6/21).
