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Nick DePaulaESPN
Just ahead of his NBA rookie debut, No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero has signed a multi-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Jordan Brand. The deal is set to make the Orlando Magic power forward a future face of Michael Jordan’s longtime Nike subsidiary company.
“The opportunity to be a part of the Jordan family means everything to me,” said Banchero. “I grew up wearing Jordans, and to now be a part of his brand is really a dream come true.”
Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Caris LeVert, Rui Hachimura, Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson, perhaps the most coveted rookie to enter the league since LeBron James.
Detroit Pistons and last year’s No. 1 pick in Cade Cunningham, Banchero has his shoe deal process now in place, and the platform of being the top pick heading into the 2022-23 season.
“There’s a certain expectation that people have of you and a standard that they’re going to hold you to, but I like it,” said Banchero. “I’m more than ready for it.”