Over the weekend, Jordan Brand announced its two newest Jumpman family members: Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura. The pair are the latest to join the now 50-plus team of athletes representing the brand.
St. Louis native Tatum has been with the Celtics for two years since going third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft after a one-and-done season at Duke. “It’s a tremendous feeling to be a part of the Jordan Brand family," he said. "I can’t really express how happy and excited I am for this journey. It’s truly an honor." Tatum previously was signed to Nike and wore the Swoosh’s auto-lacing Adapt BB sneaker on the hardwood.
Hachimura, meanwhile, was the first ever Japanese national to be selected in the first round of NBA Draft, selected ninth by the Wizards after starring for Gonzaga in the most recent NCAA season. He's also the first Japanese-born player to represent Jordan Brand.
“It’s a very special feeling to be a part of the Jordan Brand family," he said. "Jordan Brand is one of the top companies in the world and it is amazing to be part of it."
Explaining why these two players were selected, Jordan Brand president Craig Williams said, “In just two seasons, Jayson has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young players, with a work ethic and mindset that reflects what Jordan Brand stands for. Rui is already making history on the court, and in the process, he’s become a hero to an entire country."
Williams added, "What’s most impressive to me about these two young men isn’t their remarkable talent, but the strong character and maturity they carry themselves with on and off the court.”
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