*By Michael Teich*
Puma’s integration of music and fashion could be the key to the resurgence of its basketball division, said former ESPN host Bram Weinstein in an interview with Cheddar.
“It’s the one sport that really has a symbiotic relationship with pop culture.”
The athletic brand has inked deals with projected number one overall pick Deandre Ayton, in addition to standout players Marvin Bagley III and Zhaire Smith, but the addition of music mogul JAY-Z might be what gives Puma an edge over rival Nike. Weinstein said that if Nike does not transition from marketing that focuses solely on fitness, it could be a “miss” for them.
“This is a lifestyle thing. This is not necessarily about who’s scoring the most points,” Weinstein said.
Despite signing three of the last number one overall picks in the NBA Draft, Nike has yet to announce a new deal with a prospect from the 2018 draft, which takes place on June 21. Adidas has signed deals with Trae Young and Lonnie Walker IV. Puma has not had a deal with an NBA player since Vince Carter in 1998.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/pumas-full-court-press-on-nike-and-adidas).
William Karlsson, William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault are finally getting another chance in the Stanley Cup Final, after the first one that came so quick for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Tenzing Norgay, who shares the honor of first ascent with a New Zealander he guided, was honored with Kami Rita, who submitted the mountain for the 28th time this summer, and Sanu Sherpa, who has twice climbed all of the world's 14 highest peaks.
NFL player R.K. Russell made history in 2019 when he was the first ever active player in the league to come out as bisexual. He's also an accomplished poet and writer and his new book The Yards Between Us: a Memoir of Life, Love and Football is out. Russell sat down with Cheddar News anchor Hena Doba to talk about his experiences.
Carmelo Anthony, the star forward who led Syracuse to an NCAA championship in his lone college season and went on to spend 19 years in the NBA, announced his retirement on Monday.
