Jordan to show up for Carmelo?

LOS ANGELES–There is speculation that Michael Jordan may show up for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Rookie Challenge at the Staples Center here Friday night (this morning, Manila) not to play but to cheer for Denver’s Carmelo Anthony who will launch the Air Jordan XIX shoe during the game.

Jordan, who turns 41 on Tuesday, announced his third and final retirement from the NBA as a player’s at the end of last season.

Although he is not linked to any NBA team, Jordan remains an icon in the league. He attempted to buy into the Milwaukee Bucks franchise and was rumored to be negotiating for a front office role in the expansion Charlotte Bobcats club but neither prospered.

What has kept Jordan visible in basketball is his personal Nike shoe and apparel line symbolized by the "Jumpman" logo.

Jordan’s brand has its own athletic endorsers, namely, Ray Allen, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Mike Finley, Eddie Jones, professional boxer Roy Jones and Anthony. A building is named after Jordan at the Nike headquarters, called the "campus," in Beaverton, Oregon, to honor his loyalty.

Jordan has worn only Nikes as a pro.

Aside from the Air Jordan XIX, another Jordan shoe called the Air Jordan Retro XII will be introduced in the market during the All-Star Weekend.

Anthony, 19, averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds in his only year at Syracuse and was the Nuggets first round pick in last year’s draft. He’s hitting at a 19.2 clip as a Denver freshman this season.

A program to launch both Jordan shoes will be held at the two-storey Niketown boutique on Wilshire Boulevard. Nike officials wouldn’t confirm if Jordan will attend the program scheduled from 12 noon to 4 p.m. before the Rookie Challenge.

Nike communications manager Rely San Agustin, who flew in from Manila last Thursday, said the Jordan brand continues to be a hot seller.

San Agustin, 29, said aside from the Jordan brand, Nike is making a big push for the LeBron James line. The Cleveland Cavaliers rookie was inked to a $90 Million, seven-year deal, with a $10 Million signing bonus, to endorse Nike before he played his first NBA game.

"We’re excited about LeBron and he’s proving his worth game after game," said San Agustin. "What he’s done so far on the court is incredible. He’s already in the record books as the youngest NBA player ever to score 1,000 points."

James’ limited edition shoe was launched worldwide last December and the 38 pairs allocated for the Philippines were sold in 55 minutes. His white-black-and-crimson red shoe went on sale last Jan. 1. A variation in white and varsity red hit the stores last Feb. 4. In the Rookie Challenge, James will wear another color variation–a tan suede with yellow trim.

San Agustin, whose responsibility extends to Singapore and Malaysia, said basketball public relations director Rodney Knox and basketball sports marketing director Phil Cook are in town from Beaverton to toast 30 Nike athletes who will participate in the All-Star festivities.

To hype the All-Star extravaganza, Nike turned Niketown into a virtual "Hooptown"with a wide selection of All-Star merchandise on the shelves, giant cardboard cutouts of James, Jermaine O’Neal and Vince Carter to welcome fans, interactive games and live shows.

Last Thursday, rapper Jermaine Dupri hosted the "Livestyle" finals pitting the eight survivors at Niketown from 6 to 11 p.m. On Friday night, the Nike Shox VC III will be launched and a freestyle demonstration is scheduled at the store. The next day, the two new Jordan shoes will be introduced as Niketown expects a flood of celebrities–perhaps, including his Airness–to glitz up the launch.