The morning after the NBA Draft, analysts always pass out their grades for each team. Who made out like bandits? Who struck out big time? Who is the next Lance Stephenson? The next Adam Morrison?
Here I will declare the big winners from last night, but not as far as their roster improvements. Instead, I will touch on the teams and players who gained the most off-the-court from a marketing perspective.
1.) Brooklyn Nets
After last night's blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics, the Nets became must-see tv. With a starting five of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez, Brooklyn now boasts an entire line-up of All-Stars. The Nets should benefit in a huge way, namely via increased ticket sales for the Barclays Center and a boatload of national television games.
The move makes Brooklyn a threat to the Knicks, not only to win the Atlantic Division, but also to win the battle on Madison Avenue. As a reasonable challenger to the Miami Heat in the East, the Nets are suddenly much more appealing to corporate partners.
2.) Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks
With a strong pedigree and a winning background, Tim Hardaway Jr. was very appealing to many NBA teams selecting in the bottom half of the First Round. By landing with the Knicks, Hardaway Jr. becomes an option to replace the talented, but unpredictable, JR Smith. The Michigan alumni is far more reliable and apparently wooed teams with his basketball IQ and winning personality.
The Knicks had just 2 guards under contract for 2013-4, meaning that Hardaway Jr. will have considerable opportunities to make his mark. He will also have the chance to make his mark in the marketing world. With a famous father, the spotlight has always been on Hardaway Jr. In the media capital of the world, this certainly will not change. If he can have some early success on the hardwood, Hardaway Jr's smarts and likeability should make him a strong candidate for some enticing endorsement deals.
3.) Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers
When Noel announced his intent to enter the 2013 NBA Draft, it appeared very likely that he would become a Cleveland Cavalier. Even if he was passed up, rumors suggested that the Orlando Magic were set on the Kentucky Freshman.
Instead, Noel slipped to the New Orleans Pelicans, who promptly dealt him over to the Philadelphia 76ers. In sports-crazy Philly, Noel will be far more visible than he would have been in Cleveland, Orlando, or New Orleans. Additionally, he will enter with friend Michael Carter-Williams, who will likely help Noel adjust to the NBA.
If Noel is able to rehab from his injury and succeed in his Rookie season, both he and Carter-Williams will receive their fair share of endorsement dollars. Especially on a team desperate for their first true star since Allen Iverson.
4.) Otto Porter, Washington Wizards
As the face of the 2013 Georgetown Hoyas, Otto Porter won over the hearts of DC. This makes his transition to the Washington Wizards simple, as the leap to the NBA should not be nearly as overwhelming for Porter as for some other Rookies.
Since Porter is already a recognizable face and name in DC, his agent is likely already receiving calls for endorsement deals. With fellow youngsters John Wall and Bradley Beal leading the way, Porter should be given every opportunity to succeed. If Porter can be the Wizards' missing piece, which many believe him to be, then his marketing value may skyrocket with the team's first playoffs appearance in years.
The DC sports market has been very welcoming to successful rookies in past years: Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, John Wall, Alex Ovechkin, and Robert Griffin III. If Porter can replicate their success, he will reap the rewards in a big way via marketing dollars.
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