Chet Holmgren’s NBA career has just begun, and if early indications are anything to go by, it is going to be a very successful one. That, in turn, means Holmgren is likely to get some signature shoes of his own at some point but for now, he is just marveling at how many Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant have gotten.
“To see KD and Bron and Kobe have a new shoe every year for 20 years is crazy, because something like that’s not easy from an individual standpoint or from the company side of Nike,” Holmgren told Boardroom. “Keeping a shoe line going for 20 years is definitely impressive, knowing how much it takes.”
LeBron has had 21 signature shoes from Nike while Durant has gotten 16. A 22nd and 17th respectively will be released this year. As for Bryant, he ended up having 16 signature shoes with Adidas and Nike over his career.
Considering Kobe’s fame, Nike released the “AD” (new models) series and the “Protro” (retro models) series after his retirement. Following his tragic passing, Nike and the Bryant estate had a split that lasted about a year, but the two sides agreed to a new deal in 2022. The Kobe Protro 8 was released last year and a new shoe is expected to come out every year now.
It speaks to the popularity of all three men that their signature shoes have remained in demand all these years. The KD 16s are one of two shoes that Holmgren himself has worn this season, along with GT Cuts. Nike has also done its job well in this regard, as the Oklahoma City Thunder big man mentioned.
As for Holmgren himself, he too has signed a multi-year deal with Nike. The 21-year-old said it is important for both sides to benefit from the partnership and hopes they’ll make a lot of money together. If he stays injury-free, then they should.
Holmgren missed what would have been his rookie season due to injury but bounced back by playing all 82 games in 2023-24. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game in the campaign for the Thunder.
Holmgren played his first playoff game on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans and recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 5 blocks. David Robinson was the only other rookie to have put up at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks in their playoff debut. That’s certainly not bad company to keep.
Kyrie Irving’s First Signature Shoe With Anta Was Released Earlier In The Year
While James and Durant’s partnerships with Nike grow stronger over time, their former teammate Kyrie Irving is no longer with the brand. Nike severed ties with Irving back in 2022 after he posted a link to a film that was viewed as antisemitic.
When that partnership ended, Irving was linked to a fair few of Nike’s rivals and he ended up signing with Anta in July 2023. His first signature shoe with them, the ‘Kai 1’ was released in March this year and Irving also shared an incredible video to promote his new Anta shoes.
Holmgren had stated that both parties need to benefit in these deals and the Chinese brand certainly has benefited from teaming up with the Dallas Mavericks guard. Anta registered record profits in their first year with Irving and this might just be the beginning of a long and successful partnership.
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