The Houston Rockets promoted James Harden for MVP with a hardcover video book extolling The Beard’s statistical prowess. The Charlotte Hornets founded “MKG Security” to help strengthen the case of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defense honors. The Toronto Raptors reminded voters of Lou Williams’ Sixth Man of the Year viability with a massive button that plays Drake’s “6 Man” when pushed.
While we’re unsure whether or not NBA players’ candidacy for postseason awards is actually influenced by such harmless nonsense, promotional campaigns of the Rockets, Hornets, and Raptors at least make some creative sense at the very least. A book featuring Harden achievements? Sure. A website and giveaways explaining just how “secure” Kidd-Gilchrist’s defense really is? Clever. A song boasting of Toronto’s newest nickname for the Raptors’ super-sub? Local.
This doll in the likeness of Anthony Davis that the New Orleans Pelicans sent to balloters, though? It’s just downright menacing, let alone poorly constructed and far too simple.
https://twitter.com/NYPost_Berman/status/586583596900556800/photo/1
Even the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Andrew Wiggins promotion – “The rookie knocks your socks off!” – is better than this.
If New Orleans had to go the doll route, why not a Davis-Pterodactyl hybrid? Or some sort of Brow as Stretch Armstrong nostalgia?
Fortunately, Davis’ legitimate MVP candidacy was long-shot even before the Pelicans distributed these playthings. Can you imagine if it wasn’t, though? Just how many votes would he have lost due to voters being scared off by the doll’s hazy, demonic eyes and “You’re next…” grin?
A lot. Definitely.
