Nike CEO Mark Parker has announced plans to release signature shoes for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook. Quotes via Sole Collector:
“In the next several weeks alone, we’ll deliver the next version of the industry’s biggest signature shoe with the Kyrie 4,” said Parker. “We’ll build on the incredible first year of Paul George’s signature shoe with the PG2. We’ll introduce an all-new Flyknit construction with Kobe’s next performance design. And Jordan Brand will launch its first signature shoe with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. We’re also thrilled to expand our relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo as we bring his unique personality to life through new signature product and storytelling next year.”
Antetokounmpo was last season’s Most Improved Player, while Westbrook was the Most Valuable. They’re two of the biggest stars that the league has to offer, and both are certainly deserving of a signature shoe, especially Antetokounmpo, whose reign is just beginning; he turned 23 years old earlier this month.
This season, Antetokounmpo has been an MVP candidate, averaging 29.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the field.
Westbrook’s numbers have dipped from last season: His points-per-game average has plummetted from 31.6 to 23.9, and his rebounding, assist and shooting numbers have dropped a bit as well. Nevertheless, he’s an All-Star-caliber player and the reigning MVP. Westbrook getting a signature shoe is far from surprising.
