“Look, if Portland gives me number 7, I’ll be happy. I will be delighted. We have to petition for that. I need number 7. ”
This is what declared Carmelo Anthony last week, he who wore number 00 last season in Portland, because he could not take number 7, no doubt in respect for Brandon Roy, although obviously it is not in the plans of the franchise to withdraw this number. The latter had however given his approval:
“I would be honored if he wears it. So we should let him have it. ” Roy
But Melo announced yesterday that he will finally keep the number 00.
“There is too much money at stake. There are too many jerseys that have already been ordered. The NBA has contracts with its partners. It’s too late.” Carmelo Anthony
There is indeed a deadline to request a change of number, which is a few months before the start of the season, but then the NBA and Nike do it on a case-by-case basis. When it comes to a second-class player that’s usually not a problem, but as with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, which sell a lot of jerseys, the NBA and Nike opposed it. For Melo, even though he arguably sells fewer shirts than the Lakers superstars, he still has to be popular with his status.
Via Blazers.com
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