Dwyane Wade has the eighth most popular jersey in China, according to sales tracked by the NBA. In 2006-07 he ranked fourth. You'd have to think that his popularity spiked after he propelled the Heat to the NBA title and waned as he was riddled by injuries. Interestingly, Wade's jersey still is more popular than Yao Ming's. (Wade scored 19 points in the Redeem Team's 116-48 victory over Angola, so perhaps his popularity will rise if he continues to be one of the team's best players.) [Apologies, the score was 97-76 for Team USA Tuesday. I incorrectly wrote this score while covering Dolphins training camp and reading a recap that referenced the Dream Team's score over Angola.]
Top 10 jerseys in China for 2007-08:
1. Kobe Bryant
2. Kevin Garnett
3. Tracy McGrady
4. Paul Pierce
5. Allen Iverson
6. Gilbert Arenas
7. LeBron James
8. Dwyane Wade
9. Dwight Howard
10. Yao Ming
Bryant's is the top seller for the second straight year.
*******************************************************************
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's first comments on last week's signing of swingman Yakhouba Diawara:
"Yakhouba is someone we have tracked since he participated in our summer program in 2005," Spoelstra said. "He brings a defensive toughness and intensity on the perimeter that we really value. He is also a diligent worker who has improved his offensive game considerably since college."
Comments