Stephen Curry, LeBron James Top Most Popular NBA Jerseys from April to June
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry edged Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James for the best-selling jersey during the sales quarter covering the 2017 NBA playoffs, which concluded with the Dubs beating the Cavs in five games in the NBA Finals to win their second title in three years.
The NBA announced the 15 highest-selling jerseys Thursday morning. Warriors forward Kevin Durant along with Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook and Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving rounded out the top five:
None of the names on the list come as a surprise. The Dubs' other two stars, shooting guard Klay Thompson and power forward Draymond Green, ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, to solidify the team's place as a merchandising giant to go along with its on-court success.
Meanwhile, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (No. 6) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (No. 9), who were both finalists for the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player Award, also cracked the top 10.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided a theory about Curry's popularity back in January. He believes the 6'3'' guard, who takes over games with his shooting ability rather than explosive plays around the rim, connects better with kids, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).
"They all identify with him," he said. "He's probably the rare superstar where an 8-year-old kid can go, 'He looks just like me. Maybe I can do it."
Kerr went as far to say Curry could be more popular than Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan: "The crowd size is similar, but the biggest difference is the children that gravitate toward Steph. You see so many little kids with Steph jerseys begging for his autograph."
While any comparison to Jordan always draws kickback from longtime NBA fans, there's no doubting Curry's drawing power, which the jersey sales continue to showcase.
