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Basketball prodigy Zion Williamson is often considered as the future of the NBA and now after being drafted to the New Orleans Pelicans, the shining rookie has made a major move set to project the 19-year-old into further sporting stardom. Overnight, the former Duke star took to social media to announce a high-profile partnership with the Nike-owned Jordan Brand.
While the specifics of the multi-year deal are unknown, it is a big and confident move for the young prospect. Regularly compared to a young LeBron James, Williamson said in a statement:
“I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand family,” says Williamson. “Since I was a kid, I dreamed of making it to the league and having the type of impact on the game Michael Jordan had and continues to have today. He was one of those special athletes I looked up to, and I really can’t express how happy and excited I am for this journey.”
Michael Jordan also added, “Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring,” says Jordan. “He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do.”
Since February when the player made headlines after his Nike sneakers fell apart during a game, there were many speculations as to where he’d sign his next sponsorship. The likes of Puma and New Balance were both strong contenders while little-known brands with cash to spend such as Chinese-owned Li-Ning, Peak, or Anta could have been a viable options.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see where this takes the young athlete. Can we sense a new sneaker collaboration soon? Stay tuned.
