The number nine pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Dennis Smith Jr., has signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour.
The 6’3” guard out of North Carolina State provided some highlight reel plays (including this “best missed dunk”) during the Las Vegas Summer League, in which he averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, earning him All-Summer League first team honors.
The three-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Under Armour is worth as much as $2 million per year with incentives, according to sources. The Baltimore-based company plans to incorporate him as one of its key players.
While Lonzo Ball’s shoe saga took most of the publicity during the summer, Smith Jr.’s shoe decision flew under the radar. He received offers from other companies and wore their shoes, but eventually received a higher offer from Under Armour.
The brand has a connection with Smith dating back to 2015. Kris Stone, Under Armour’s pro basketball sports marketing director, saw Smith in person at Stephen Curry’s (the face of Under Armour basketball) SC30 Select Camp which plays host to 20 elite high school point guards. In his rookie season he will be one of a few select players to wear the new Drive 4 team shoe.