After today’s reveal of the brand’s first basketball sneaker since 1998, the Clyde Court Disrupt, Puma has made yet another stunning addition during Draft Week by signing Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr.
He is the fourth member of the upcoming NBA draft to join the Puma hoops family, and Puma’s addition of Jay-Z as the creative director is seen by many as a promising first step for the brand. Known for his pop culture influence as an artist, Jay-Z has the business acumen and experience as the former part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets and the founder of Roc Nation.
Michael Porter JR. is currently slotted around the number 8 spot in the latest NBA mock draft. Despite only logging three games in his college career, teams are still eager to sign Porter for his athleticism — not to mention his abilities to stretch the floor by playing small ball while having the skills to finish at the rim.
Porter Jr. has reportedly signed a multi-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Puma that is similar to the four-year, multi-million-dollar deal Ayton signed a few days ago.
Moreover, Puma has also signed Rudy Gay of the San Antonio Spurs. He appeared at Puma’s unveiling of the Clyde Court Disrupt last night in New York and was announced as a new signee of the brand. He had formerly been with Nike.
JUST IN: Puma has signed Michael Porter Jr. Joins Ayton, Bagley III & Zhaire Smith in draft class.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 20, 2018
MPJ LET’S GET IT #pumafam @MPJr pic.twitter.com/8YXe4N32L6
— PUMA Basketball (@PUMAHoops) June 21, 2018
Image via mpj
I remember when the discussion of Lavar Ball and his Big Baller Brand came about. The detractors of Ball and his sons efforts to own themselves, made light of the attempt. During the back and forth, JayZ ordered a pair of the BBB kicks, supporting a Black owned business, of which I too wholeheartedly support as well. While interviewed, JayZ mentioned that many of the detractors were simply fans of Nike, to which J stated with authority, FUCK NIKE, forreal. I then knew that something was coming, but didn’t see Puma as that thing. While I am not a fan of Kanye politically, musically, J and I are from the same place, have some of the same associates from the area so to speak, so yeah, there is a battle line being drawn with Adidas, Puma, and if J is successful, Nike is going to lose.