Converse increases NBA ties

Converse, the iconic sneaker brand with a North Andover headquarters, said today it plans to mine its basketball heritage as it gears up to celebrate its centennial next year.

As it gears up to launch nine performance basketball shoes this season, Converse said it now boasts its largest roster of National Basketball Association players to endorse its products in more than 20 years.

New additions to its lineup include Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, Kyle Korver of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Orien Greene of the Sacramento Kings, said Converse, which was founded in 1908.

"Converse's basketball heritage is rich with stories of product innovation and legendary players, but it's our future in the basketball category that excites us most," chief executive Jack Boys said in a statement.

Converse is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oregon sneaker giant Nike Inc.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)