And1 basketball shoes general manager Mark Woolsey closely watched his prized endorser, Marcus Camby, film his first shoe commercial Monday at the East Denver Family YMCA. For the shoe company and Camby’s sake, Woolsey also hopes to watch the center make his first NBA All-Star Game appearance this season.
“He’s definitely our marquee guy,” Woolsey said. “The kind of year he’s having has been huge for us. Getting into the All-Star Game would give us some high-profile representation. A brand like ours does more for streetball players. But this helps authenticate our rep and really who we are as a brand, which is about performance. I highly anticipate an (all-star) happening. It would be great for the brand.”
Camby’s value to the Nuggets has been evident in his absence. Denver is 1-3 without him, including consecutive road overtime losses this weekend. Camby has missed the past three games with a sprained finger on his right hand.
He entered Monday leading the NBA in rebounds per game (13.3), was second in blocked shots (3.19) and is averaging 16.8 points.
“He’s a double-double guy,” Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said. “You can’t lose those guys. Camby is playing as good as any center in the league.”
In the commercial shoot, Camby did some light dunking. He expects to play Wednesday against Washington.
“It’s affecting my shot,” Camby said of the sprain. “When I put my hand on the ball I feel a lot of pain. But it’s subsiding a little bit. I’ll try to test it in practice (today) and try to shoot for Wednesday.”
Camby’s And1 “Rekanize” shoe commercial centers on how he overcome various challenges in his 10-year career. The commercial’s director, Gil Green, also has directed music videos for R. Kelly, 50 Cent and Sean “P-Diddy” Combs. A racquetball court was painted for the shoot and a basketball goal and backboard were added. The commercial is scheduled to start airing Jan. 12. The shoes will be sold only at Finish Line stores starting Jan. 13. Camby has had one other national commercial, for ESPN the Magazine, while playing in New York.
“It’s good to have a nice business relationship go hand in hand,” Camby said. “Feels a little weird. But I’m more a relaxed, quiet-type guy. This is not really my thing. But this is something I wanted to do. I’m happy.”
Footnotes
Pacers president Donnie Walsh told The Indianapolis Star News he is in the process of narrowing the list of teams interested in trading for forward Ron Artest. The Nuggets are expected to be on that list and have offered forward-center Nene and guard Earl Watson. … A $1.6 million medical exception the Nuggets were given by the NBA for Nene expired Monday. … Guard Earl Boykins (left hamstring strain) is questionable for Wednesday, guard Greg Buckner (left hip flexor strain) is listed as day to day and forward Kenyon Martin (left knee tendinitis) is a game-time decision. … The Nuggets had a light practice Monday and coach George Karl was unavailable for comment. … Vandeweghe said plans to send rookie guard Julius Hodge to NBADL Austin are postponed because of injuries.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or mspears@denverpost.com.
