Well, first of all, interviews with Silver or segments on NBATV are not endorsements. That's a whole other subject. That's just CJ being really good at self promotion, but with that said, where is CJ's huge shoe deal? Where is his State Farm commercials? CJ might be better at self-promotion than Dame, but has it translated to money in his pocket?
Its much more complex than you try to make it bud. Dame and cj do not equal the average player. Lamarcus, who many around the league viewed as a better player than lillard or cj, had shit for endorsements.
I think the articles on the subject pretty much do dispute it. Again I go back to a daily radio show in Los Angeles. (Mason and Ireland ESPN radio Los Angeles) Two of the biggest Laker homers on radio. (Because it is the Laker radio station) This topic comes up all the time......and if they have changed their minds on this subject....... then that says a lot. They used to go on and on about the advantage of a big market in luring free agents. Now they give strong evidence on why the digital age has eliminated that advantage. Eventually you will change your mind too
The fact is this - there are national endorsements, there are international endorsements, and then there are local endorsements. A local endorsement in NY or LA is worth significantly more money than a local endorsement in Portland. Most guys aren't going to get national or international endorsements - doesn't matter where they play. As I said before, you have to have the right personality and play on the court to be a national brand like Dame. The thing is, Lillard is the only dude getting local spots as well. He has that goofy Standard TV and Appliance ad. I haven't seen CJ doing any local spots. And how much are those really worth?
Its not about mentors. Some guys have it, some dont. Lillard is a special bird. Cj has a journism background. Aldridge? Mcgloughlin auto group of embarassment.
Getting the Chinese market is simple...you sign Jeremy Lin..you have the Chinese fan base....Dame is setting about building a music company in Portland that is attractive to a lot of hip hop fans...he's mentioned that instead of signing with an LA based label, he'd rather start his own like JayZ and PDiddy did. Prince did it for Minneapolis...Dame can do it for Portland
And international endorsements are mostly going to come from guys that are: 1. From the international country 2. Already have national endorsements so the people likely know who they are 3. Are on a team that has a very strong brand internationally. Like the lakers. Or the rockets (pretty much solely from yao mings playing days) It still makes a difference playing in portland vs. La. Rubbing elbows with hollywood people can open other doors for you too. A guy like lebron is going to rub hollywood elbows regardless. Whiteside is not lebron. There are probably people in hollywood that dont even know who he is. If he became a blazer, they would probably continue to not know who he is. Signing with la, he is destined to make those connections and networks regardless of how awkward or suave he would be.
Unless the Chinese market pays for the luxury tax in jersey sales alone...stranger things have happened
I agree completely. And Whitside does not have the personality to pull it off. Like I said before I rarely see any Lakers on Locals TV spots And I doubt he would jump ahead of his other teammates for local endorsements. LA is a huge market, but look at the competition for those spots......players from the Clippers, Kings, Dodgers, Rams, movie stars, musicians ......Kardashians......... etc. etc. etc....
You don't have to have a personality to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without speaking like Draymond Green does
One of the biggest misconceptions about big markets is that you're immediately going to make connections to movers and shakers. But you still have to be a star or at least have a level of fame already. They want you to make them money first. It's like the new Rams. Goff and Gurley will get all the national endorsements they can handle. The other players will get the all the local gigs..... store openings and car dealerships. And you can still get those in Portland just not as many. Where LA really makes the difference is in college recruiting. The exposure really makes the difference for potential pros.
Not that big of an expert on NBA cap rules but couldn't we just go into the luxury tax with players like Leonard and Crabbe?
I never said he immediately would make connections. He will at least have the opportunities to rub elbows with many involved in hollywood. Something he wouldnt be afforded in portland.
I have to admit. If I had a choice between doing blow with Kanye West while he discussed narcissism and eating vegan goat cheese pizza with hipsters.... I'd choose the former.
That I can not argue with. We can't compete with larger markets. If you a star in LA you have a lot more options for hot women. Same with Miami. Our best hope is to find married FA's who want to stay married.
