This week we caught up with some of the top young NBA talents at the NBA Store in Manhattan to celebrate the release of NBA Live 10. From shoes to beats and of course, video games, check out what the pros had to say.
Al Harrington
HOOP: How are things going with the Protégé line?
Al: Everything’s going great with the shoe. They’re selling well, people have been responsive to it. We’re excited that we were able to make a shoe that was affordable and high-quality and people have been enjoying the product.
HOOP: Are you planning any special releases during the season?
Al: We may, maybe a Black Friday sneaker. We got a couple of things we’re working on.
HOOP: Will we see the line branch off into other styles of shoes?
Al: Basketball is obviously our priority, but we want to make it a lifestyle brand: shoes, sweatsuits, hats, watches, so that’s what we’re gonna move forward to.
Dwight Howard
HOOP: Are you happy with your player rating in NBA Live?
Dwight: I wasn’t really concerned about the rating, I’m on the cover. [smiles] So I think it’s hot. I was just happy to be on the video game.
HOOP: Did you and your siblings always play each other growing up?
Dwight: We did. My siblings and I, and my teammates came to my house and we always played NBA Live. One night, it was my birthday, my dad got me NBA Live and I looked at the cover and said one day I wanted to be on the cover. Now I’m actually on the cover, so it’s a blessing, a dream come true.
Courtney Lee
HOOP: Have you gotten accustomed to New Jersey yet?
Courtney: I’ve been everywhere. I’ve been across the water to New York City, Jersey City, so I’m definitely getting comfortable and used to the area. As long as I got that navigation system I’ll be alright. [laughs]
HOOP: No one usually likes to be traded, but does it help coming over with Skip and Tony Battie?
Courtney: Definitely. Those are two guys I’ve built relationships with and am comfortable with. It definitely makes the transition a lot better as opposed to coming by myself.
HOOP: Are you a big fan of Nets part-owner Jay-Z?
Courtney: Definitely. I still am. The Blueprint 3 gets steady play in the car. He’s one of the best lyricists out there…he’s the best in the game.
HOOP: What else are you listening to?
Courtney: I got Drake, a little bit of Kanye, Wayne, TI, a lot of R&B cats like Trey Songz, R. Kelly, The-Dream. I got a lot of guys.
HOOP: Did you catch any good flicks this summer?
Courtney: The last movie I saw was Public Enemies. It was a good one.
HOOP: What are some favorites all-time?
Courtney: You got Juice, Above The Rim, Paid in Full, Troy—that’s one of my all-time greats, Troy and Gladiator, I’ll ride with those movies anytime.—Seth Berkman #91
Live From New York