According to ESPN’s Nick DePaula, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill has reportedly signed a lifetime deal with Fila. The deal includes retros of his signature models from the late 90’s, new versions and remixes of Hill’s early shoes.
Grant Hill on lifetime deal: “Fila was there for my first professional steps on the court. We have now come full circle and I am thrilled to be a part of the family once again. I’m grateful for the brand’s continued loyalty and support as we begin this new chapter together.” pic.twitter.com/3XMhZ3y5lv
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) October 24, 2018
“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.”
DePaula also reports this move is not , at least for the time being, a pathway to getting back in the basketball performance arena. The brand’s focus currently is on the reestablishment of their retro sector with Hill being a focal point.
Jon Epstein, President of Fila North America had this to say:
Fila is proud to have been a part of Grant’s history, partnering with him when he was drafted into the league. Grant was a tough yet graceful competitor. He possesses a strong work ethic and has demonstrated resilience and perseverance.
Hill signed with Fila in 1994 and became just the fourth NBA player to have a signature for his rookie campaign. The GH1, his debut sneaker with the brand was very popular, selling over 1.5 million pair. His next shoe, the Grant Hill 2, sold even better than its predecessor and helping Fila leapfrog both Adidas and Reebok to take , at that time, the number two spor behind Nike in U.S. basketball shoe sales. However by the end of the deal in 2004, Hill was dealing with a series of injuries that robbed him and the basketball world of the player he once was and he and Fila went their separate ways. However the brand would continue to periodically release Hill’s shoe under names like the Fila 95 (GH 1),Fila 96 ( Grant Hill 2), and the Fila 97 Grant Hill 3).
