By Official Release
Posted Oct 1 2009 11:17AM
LONDON -- Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers tops the list of most popular NBA jerseys in Europe for the second straight year. Coming off his fourth NBA title in 2009, Bryant also has the most popular jersey in the U.S. The top four most popular jerseys remain unchanged from last year with Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics at No. 2, Pau Gasol of the Lakers at No.3 and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 4. The Most Popular NBA Jerseys in Europe list is based on sales from retail locations across Europe during the 2008-09 NBA season.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat moves up three spots from last year to No. 5 and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic makes his first appearance on the list at No. 7. Chicago's Joakim Noah, who visits London on Oct. 6 when the Bulls take on the Utah Jazz during NBA Europe Live presented by EA Sports, also makes his first appearance on the list.
Eight of the top 15 players on the list hail from Europe. They include Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (No. 6), Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors (No. 8 and No. 9, respectively), Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks (No. 11), Rudy Fernandez of the Portland Trailblazers (No. 12), Marco Belinelli of the Golden State Warriors (No. 13) and Noah (No.14). International players make up approximately 20 percent of NBA rosters.
The NBA's merchandising business in Europe consists of over 60 partners distributing NBA products to more than 16,000 retail locations. International sales account for 30 percent of the league's overall global merchandise business.
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
3. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
4. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
6. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
7. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
8. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
9. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
10. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
11. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
12. Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trailblazers
13. Marco Belinelli, Golden State Warriors
14. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
15. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards
The NBA returns to Europe for the forth consecutive year when the Bulls and Jazz take part in NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS?. On Oct. 6, Luol Deng and the Bulls takes on the Jazz at The O2 marking the third consecutive year the NBA has held a game in London, UK. On Oct. 8 the Jazz travels to Madrid, Spain and go head-to-head with Euroleague Basketball's Real Madrid at the Palacio de Deportes. Following NBA Europe Live 2009, NBA teams will have played 50 games in 18 different cities in Europe over the past two decades.


![]() | Magic vs. Raptors Vince Carter scores 24 points against his old team and Dwight Howard drops another double-double. |
![]() | Hot Hand Nate Robinson knocks down a three-pointer as the Knicks keep pace with the Celtics. |
![]() | For Three Rajon Rondo sets up the offense and dishes back to Paul Pierce for the three-pointer. |
![]() | Celtics vs. Knicks: First half The stars are out in full force to watch the Celtics take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. |
![]() | Sweet Dish Vince Carter finds Mickael Pietrus with the pretty pass down low. |
![]() | Flush Danilo Gallinari slices through the defense and throws down a hard two-hand dunk. |
![]() | Superman Slam Dwight Howard gets his own rebound and clears out the lane with a huge dunk. |
![]() | Too Easy Vince Carter drives through the Raptors defense and throws one down. |
![]() | Arena Link: Carmelo Anthony The Nuggets forward talks about a win over the Bulls and brings a special guest on with him. |
![]() | Saturday's Top 10 Ten of the best plays from Saturday's NBA action are right here. |