Studs Up

But last week you may have seen the collaboration between Chelsea and NBA star Kevin Garnett (organised by fellow sponsor adidas) on a adidas TS Commander LT basketball shoe, scarf and home. I’ve stated before about my desire to see football become the dominant sport in both the US as well as the UK. I’ve lived half my life in both cultures and consider myself a hybrid being of sorts, but I should qualify that I want to see UK football be popular in the US. I have no desire to see the sport itself become Americanised, although I really want ESPN to put their weight behind promoting and covering it and give Sky some proper competition.

So this Garnett-Chelsea collabo is another (small) step in the right direction I suppose. At least as far as PR, even though the actual product itself is pretty random.

Despite the fact that he’s appeared in a video with Becks (again, arranged by adidas), this has still got to be one of the more unexpected comings together of minds and people. Much of the press cites Garnett as a long-standing Chelsea fan thanks to his appearances at their tour of America this summer. Still, my initial reaction to that statement is with a raised eyebrow, the fact that he’s willing to put his brand and name on a bunch of football stuff has made me think twice.

Kevin Garnett, Drogba and Anelka up front. Crazy? Or did I just blow your mind?

You can buy the full set at online retailer Bodega (thanks to SU reader Ryan for the link)