HoopsHype.com Rumors

CounterKicks Exclusive: Back in May we broke the story on Kevin Garnett’s brand switch from adidas to ANTA at the tail end of last year’s NBA season and now we can officially confirm another endorsement change up to launch the new 2010-11 NBA season tonight: Ron Artest has left PEAK and has signed an endorsement deal with BALL’N. Full story and brand statements from both PEAK and BALL’N to CounterKicks follow below. Continue reading for the exclusive details behind Ron Artest’s new endorsement signing with BALL’N. RonArtest.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Ron Artest, Shoes 

For the first time in its 64-year history, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has banned a new line of shoes based on the league’s rule against an “unfair competitive advantage” that increases a player’s vertical leap. The league’s ban on Athletic Propulsion Labs’ Concept 1 confirms the company’s claims that the shoe, with its Load ‘N Launch™ Technology, performs as advertised. No professional player will be allowed to wear the product in games for the upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season. This action comes on the 25th anniversary of the NBA’s ban on Nike’s Air Jordan shoes, albeit for reasons of their colorful appearance rather than any performance advantage. Yahoo! Finance

Shoes 

Reebok released pictures of John Wall's new signature shoe the ZigTech Slash Limited Edition Gold Colorway and well, let's just say the reaction has been mixed. Mixed as in most people think they are hideous. Have a look: Wall signed a reported $25 million deal with Reebok this summer to be one of their top endorsers. So his signature shoe is definitely one of the prized releases by the company. But as savvy NBA business-head Nate Jones said, the key to a signature shoe is both style and substance. It's got to be a shoe somebody doesn't just want to run a couple of pick-up games on, but also a pair of kicks that you can wear with some jeans and a t-shirt. I don't know if Wall's ZigTech Slashes are something you want to be seen in off the blacktop. CBSSports.com

John Wall, Shoes 

Since news leaked Tuesday night that Lin would sign with the NBA's Golden State Warriors, Lin has been approached with a number of endorsement opportunities, including a shoe deal, his agent Roger Montgomery told The Crimson today morning. When Lin signs with the Warriors on Wednesday at 11 a.m. PST in Oakland, Calif., he will become just the fourth Asian American to sign an NBA contract—making him the perfect marketing opportunity with the strong Asian American community in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I think he’s going to shore up our backcourt—that’s for sure,” said Robert Rowell, president of the Warriors. “I also think the signing is going to be great for the Bay Area market. I think he is going to be a lightning rod… We have a very large fan contingent that will be excited to have Jeremy on our team.” Harvard Crimson

Reminder: LeBron's new Nike contract does not have a NY bonus. Though he could make more money thru royalties. Twitter

Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Shoes, Business 

Wall has already made a name for himself after signing a five-year contract with Reebok worth a reported $25-million. Wall become the new face of Reebok basketball, replacing former Georgetown alum Allen Iverson. He also helps Reebok possibly develop a stronger foothold in Washington, where the company has already signed Capitals star Alex Ovechkin. Wall has already met with Iverson, who assisted with the sales pitch to Reebok. Todd Krinsky, Reebok's head of sports and entertainment marketing, said they will likely do some sort of cross-marketing with Ovechkin and Wall. Washington Post

Washington Wizards, John Wall, Shoes