New York Knicks: PUMA signs Clyde Frazier to lifetime contract
PUMA is making a return to basketball. In addition to signing two coveted 2018 NBA Draft prospects, it inked New York Knicks legend Walt Frazier.
Some younger New York Knicks fans know Walt Frazier exclusively as a commentator on MSG Network. It’s understandable, as Frazier’s iconic calls and suits have become as significant a part of his legacy as his Hall of Fame playing career was.
Before Frazier was working broadcasts for Knicks games, however, he was styling and profiling on the court—and blazing trails along the way.
Frazier is a two-time NBA champion, six-time All-NBA honoree, seven-time All-Star, and seven-time All-Defense selectee. He’s also the individual who famously helped PUMA, a juggernaut in world football and running, make the leap into basketball.
PUMA is now returning to the sport in a powerful way, signing projected top-five 2018 NBA Draft picks Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III to lucrative long-term deals.
Exclusive interview: @MB3FIVE and @DeandreAyton sit down with B/R Kicks on joining the Puma family https://t.co/Xi1wJfAGyU pic.twitter.com/clKcmQAwCY
— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) June 18, 2018
In addition to signing Ayton and Bagley, PUMA is giving back to the man who put the company on the basketball map by signing Frazier to a lifetime contract.
The worst kept secret: Puma is back in basketball. Company signing their first endorser Walt Clyde Frazier to a lifetime deal. Releasing 73 limited editions pairs at place on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn today. New handle is @PUMAHoops. pic.twitter.com/fmbgi5B0M0
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 18, 2018
Frazier is one of the titans of style in the NBA, and is undoubtedly deserving of the contract that he’s receiving.
The advertisements that PUMA built around Frazier rank amongst the most memorable in NBA history. It played off of his popularity amongst fans around the country, as well as his personal and unique sense of style.
In September of 2016, Frazier and the company released an edition of the PUMA Clyde that harped on the importance of maintaining continuity.
Just under two years later, PUMA is putting its money where its mouth is by providing Frazier with a lifetime contract.
As for Ayton and Bagley, they’re two of the most coveted prospects in this draft class. Ayton is the heavy favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Phoenix Suns, while Bagley is gaining steam as an option to go No. 2 to the Sacramento Kings.
Whether or not Ayton and Bagley wear PUMA shoes during games, what’s clear is that the company is developing a reputation as one that takes care of its athletes.
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If the latest development tells us anything, it’s that the New York Knicks aren’t the only organization that’s proud to be associated with Walt Frazier.