The Mavericks feel like they got a steal in this year’s NBA Draft after taking North Carolina State guard Dennis Smith Jr. in the first round. Under Armour may be feeling the same way.
The 19-year old has reportedly signed a three-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal worth as much as $2 million per year with incentives. The company plans to push him as one of its featured players right out of the gate.
Smith was picked ninth overall in this past June’s draft and signed a four-year deal with the Mavericks. During his six summer league games in Las Vegas, he averaged 17.3 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game in under 25.9 minutes. His play earned his All-Summer League first team honors.
He joins two-time MVP Stephen Curry and Arlington Grace Prep alum Emmanuel Mudiay on the NBA roster at Under Armour. The company also has endorsement deals across the sports spectrum with Highland Park native and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, Masters Champ and Dallas Jesuit alum Jordan Spieth, National League MVP Bryce Harper and NFL MVP’s Tom Brady and Cam Newton.
Under Armour also has one of their “Brand House” stores in Dallas, where they’re expected to feather Smith in both in-store marketing and launch products.
