The arrival of Trail Blazers G Ja Morant to Portland could boost Nike’s “comeback efforts as it works to rebuild its focus on sports,” according to Kish & Freeman of the Portland OREGONIAN. Basketball shoes are “out of fashion,” but Morant’s signature shoes “remain a bright spot for Nike,” which is entering the third year of a corporate turnaround under CEO Elliott Hill. Morant laced up his Nikes for his first regular-season game as a Trail Blazer on Wednesday, making him the first Nike signature athlete to play for the team since Basketball HOFer Scottie Pippen did so more than two decades ago. The Blazers practice and play about 12 miles from Nike’s corporate campus. Nike EVP/Global Sports Marketing Ann Miller said that the “proximity will make it easier to visit with Morant during the season, which will help with product development.” She added, “We’ll keep finding ways to partner with Ja and the Blazers to connect with the community all season long.” Morant said that some “fun product launches are on the way for Portland fans” (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/21).
GOING ALL IN: In Portland, Matthew Kish noted Portland’s city-owned White Stag sign now features Morant “dunking over the deer.” It’s unknown how much Nike paid to alter the sign. A Nike spokesperson said that Morant’s likeness will be on the sign until Nov. 7. That means it will “come down before the annual holiday redecorating” (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/21).