Despite Celtics G Kyrie Irving being the only top NBA star to see surging shoe sales in '17, fans of the Lakers now "will buy LeBron products in bunches," meaning Irving will have to "settle for being the No. 2 guy for now," according to Jarrel Harris of SI.com. According to NPD Group data, James "remained the NBA’s top shoe seller" in '17, despite seeing a decline in sales. Irving’s trade to the Celtics "paid huge dividends" for his Nike line of shoes, and he has "built a marketing machine with his 'Uncle Drew' character." Irving’s signature line is "off to one of the most impressive starts in basketball, as each sneaker has been a hit with his NBA peers on the court." Meanwhile, the Kyrie 5, likely released next year, will be among the "most anticipated" sneakers (SI.com, 10/3).
COMPETITIVE NATURE: In Boston, A. Sherrod Blakely noted the "influence of shoes on the NBA game has never been greater with the league giving players more freedom than ever to experiment with different colors and designs that can be worn during games." The relaxed rules have brought out the "competitor in several players all vying to come out with designs and color schemes that stand out and above their teammates as well as the rest of the NBA." Celtics F Marcus Morris said that most players on his team will be "trying to out-do" Irving. Morris: "He comes with 17 different shoes every game. You should see his locker." During talks with Puma, Celtics G Terry Rozier said that the brand conveyed it had "every intention of pushing the envelope in terms of the color schemes and designs for the sneakers he would play in this season." Rozier: "They were gonna pay my fines, and we were gonna get crazy everywhere we go, so just stay tuned. It’s gonna be nice." Rozier added that he has "already met with marketing folks with Puma, explaining to them what he was looking for in the shoes that he said will come out in January" (NBCSPORTSBOSTON.com, 10/3).
