As if playing ball for millions of dollars isn’t the business, the rich get richer by signing endorsement deals. Sometimes the deals aren’t so great, but mo money is mo money.MSNBC compiled a list of the most marketable players in the NBA with a brief explanation for each selection. Here’s their list, minus the explanations:
- LeBron James
- Dwayne Wade
- Kevin Garnett
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Kobe Bryant
- Yao Ming
- Tony Parker
- Kevin Durant
- Yi Jianlian
- Eduardo Najera
Steve Nash and Gilbert Arenas are the most glaring omissions, and I’ll listen to arguments for AI, Dwight Howard, and Dirk Nowitzki.. Too bad the only time that Tim Duncan talks is when he’s arguing with Joey Crawford, or else he’d be raking in the endorsement money too.
And of course.. If there’s a “Most” list, there can be a “Least” list. Here are my 5 least marketable NBA players:
5. Oleksiy Pecherov, C, Washington Wizards
4. Darius Miles, F, Portland Trailblazers
3. The Knicks, Team, New York Knicks
2. Stephen Jackson, G, Golden St. Warriors
1. Ron Artest, F, Sacramento Kings
Can LeBron surpass Michael on Madison Ave.? Courtesy of MSNBC
Tags: NBA, Most Marketable, Endorsements, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant
November 8th, 2007 at 6:49 am
That looks like a pretty good list to me–if anything, it’s interesting to see Najera/Yi included, despite lack of credentials.
While I *love* Gilbert and Nash, I’m not so sure they appeal as much to middle America (or in this case, middle Mexico and middle China).
November 8th, 2007 at 7:15 am
No Greg Oden? I know he’s injured but the kid’s got personality and he’s funny. Just wait, he’ll be everywhere in a couple of years.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:21 am
KOBE IS DA BES