Learn From Marcin Gortat

The NBA is not where brand loyalty happens

Somewhere along the way, a child’s dream switched from winning an NBA title on the last shot to signing a multi-million dollar contract and endorsement deal.  Are America’s youth all money grubbing whores?  Yes, but we’re all whores, they’re just a little more honest about it.  Those youths now have a new role model.  They can learn from Magic reserve big man Marcin Gortat.  Not necessarily in the basketball skills department, but certainly in the branding and endorsement department. 

Gortat, inexplicably, has a deal with Reebok.  Even if that deal is just that he gets free shoes, they still overpaid.  But, let that be the first reason for the kids to look up to the Polish Hammer.  See youngsters, you don’t have to be an All-Star to supplement your income by selling out. 

There is one hitch in Gortat’s Reebok agreement, however.  He has a size-able Jordan brand logo on his calf.  Jordan is of course an off-shoot of Nike and Nike isn’t Reebok.  Let this be the second reason for Gortat to be a role model.  Even though Reebok is demanding that he cover the tat with high socks or make-up, he’s not listening.  See kiddies, you have to pick your battles and when you do, be sure to pick the ones that will end up earning you more money. 

Gortat may not stay signed to Reebok after the Finals end, but he’s played his hand beautifully.  On the NBA’s biggest stage, he’s shown that he’s a competent big man that someone will overpay in free agency.  He’s also shown a loyalty to the richest shoe manufacturer in the world.  After this off-season, he’ll have gone from little known back-up Reebok wearer to easily forgotten over-paid back-up Nike wearer.  If that wasn’t his dream to begin with, he set his sights too high.

Tags: basketball, Marcin Gortat, NBA, NBA Finals, Orlando Magic

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