Turner, Wall to revive lost sneaker brands

     Li-Ning is nowhere near Nike in the sneaker industry. Yet. Earlier this month Clippers veteran Baron Davis released his latest shoe - the BD Doom - to retailers across the US, and for the first time in Li-Ning's history to Eastbay.com. The brand has given itself a bright future by signing Philadelphia's number 2 draft pick Evan Turner to a 6 year deal. This will give the Ohio State man his own signature shoe and apparel and is expected to wear the shoe in the 2010/11 season. The deal between Turner and the Chinese brand was supposedly set up by David Falk; the same man who signed Michael Jordan to Nike, and will be Evan's agent for the next few years.

     The combo-guard signed a 3-year deal with the Sixers, and is expected to be a big part of Phila's offense. Last year as a Junior, "The Villain" averaged 20 ppg, 9 rpg, and 6 apg, and was voted the 2010 National Player of the Year. I think with the skill set he has, he will be the face of the Sixers in a few years time, and also the face of the Li-Ning Company Ltd. This could be history in the making, as Turner has the potential to be one of the NBA greats. His greatness, however, is slightly overshadowed by young Wizards phenom and number 1 pick John Wall. Wall has also made the decision to join a lesser known basketball brand name in signing a $25 million, 5 year deal with Reebok. Wall's new shoe - the Zig-Tech Slash - will be released in December 2010, however Mr. Wall will also wear his first signature shoe in this upcoming season.

     Last year playing for the UK Wildcats, Wall put up 16 points, 7 assists, 4 boards and 2 steals as a freshman, and went straight to the NBA, which makes Turner a full 2 years older than Wall. However, the number 1 pick's quickness and ability to get to the basket at will gives him the edge over Turner, in my opinion. Wall will definitely have a challenge in being able to carry the Wizards - and Reebok - to new heights in the world of basketball. Since Turner isn't receiving as much media attention as John Wall, there obviously won't be as much pressure on him to perform, which is good for the type of person Turner is. It should be interesting to see if both players will stick with their new brands as they progress through what will be an exciting few years to come in the NBA.