As some of the most recognizable athletes in the world, NBA stars have endorsed countless products and starred in many of the most memorable advertisements to ever air on television. Michael Jordan’s iconic “Be Like Mike” campaign was recently revived 23 years after its original debut, while “Penny” Hardaway’s puppet alter ego, Lil’ Penny – voiced by comedian Chris Rock – remains immensely popular to this day.
Whether it’s promoting shoes, cars or the League itself, Kings players have delivered numerous unforgettable commercials during their respective Sacramento tenures, providing catchy slogans, witty punch lines and timeless entertainment.
Vlade Divac
Divac has a handful of outstanding performances on his résumé – including a brilliant Schick spot with his former Lakers teammates, where he’s featured sans beard, and an ESPN racing ad with ex-Hornets guard “Muggsy” Bogues – but his hand-written letter to the Larry O’Brien Trophy in a national NBA Playoffs commercial is heartwarmingly wonderful. Unafraid to poke fun at himself, No. 21 pens PulitzerPrize-worthy prose, topped by, “If I cannot make you mine, that would be so ... stink.”
Jason Williams
At the peak of No. 55’s popularity, one of the League’s flashiest and most exciting players was the subject of a trio of Nike commercials, each highlighting the guard’s penchant for improvisational passing, ankle-breaking crossovers and long-range pull-ups.
An animated “J-Dub” caricature dances and grooves to a throwback rap track over classic rookie-year moments, while the innovative guard shows off his incredible handles alongside street-ballers and fellow NBA stars in the aptly-titled “freestyle” spots. Finally, home footage of Williams teaming up with fellow Virginia native and NFL superstar Randy Moss is spliced in with college and pro highlights another clever ad.
Bonus: Williams throws a perfect behind-the-back pass to a garbage man in an ad for Grizzlies tickets.
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