Former NBA Player, Basketball Hall-of-Famer and NBA TV host Grant Hill is signing a lifetime deal with sneaker company Fila. From ESPN’s Nick DePaula:
Following his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Grant Hill has signed a lifetime endorsement deal contract with Fila, the sneaker company he was with when he entered the NBA in 1994.
“Fila was there for my first professional steps on the court,” Hill said. “We have now come full circle, and I am thrilled to be a part of the family once again.”
Under the new deal, Hill and Fila will look to revive retro releases of his coveted 1990s signature shoes starting next month. They will also begin working on new editions and remixes of Hill’s early signature models.
Unlike fellow sneaker brands such as Puma, New Balance and AND1 — all of which, like Fila, were popular in the 1990s — Fila isn’t expected to make a return to the performance basketball sneaker landscape anytime soon, with the company’s current focus on reestablishing their retro business with a focus on Hill.
“Fila is proud to have been a part of Grant’s history, partnering with him when he was drafted into the league,” said Jon Epstein, president of Fila North America. “Grant was a tough yet graceful competitor. He possesses a strong work ethic and has demonstrated resilience and perseverance.”
Hill, now 40 years old, played in the NBA from 1994 until 2013, spending time with the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. Hill’s peak was bright but brief, as his prime was derailed by injuries. In his best season, 1990-2000, he averaged 25.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game on 48.9 percent shooting.
