Blogtable: Most valuable player image to invest in

Each week, we’ll ask our stable of scribes across the globe to weigh in on the most important NBA topics of the day.

Julius Erving recently sold the rights to his name and image to a N.Y.-based marketing group. Question for you: Who’s name and image would you invest in? Why?

David Aldridge, NBA.com: Stephen Curry seems to be the armor-plated gold standard at present. With the possibility/likelihood of more championships down the line, he’ll be a long-term face on the scene, with the ability to cross over to non-sports properties. Bottom line: people love this guy.

Steve Aschburner, NBA.com: Since Joey Crawford’s off the table, give me Karl-Anthony Towns. The young Minnesota big man seems to have it all, his trajectory already pointing him toward great things. His skill set is remarkable — I’m not sure there’s a big man in the NBA I’d choose over him right now, if I were a GM thinking about the next 7-10 years. He seems driven to tap his full potential, he’s got a bright, accessible personality, he’s even got a marketable nickname/acronym (KAT). Russell Westbrook is poised to blaze across the NBA like a meteor this season, with clear crossover ambitions in fashion and marketing, but he’s been a bit polarizing to this point. Towns, in my view, is the NBA’s next big thing.

Fran Blinebury, NBA.com: I’m assuming you’re looking for current NBA figures. So I’ll go with Steph Curry. The addition of Kevin Durant will keep the Warriors …

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