There was a time when having a signature sneaker in the NBA was a rarity. Players had to ascend to a certain level of fame to have that conversation. It started with the Converse Revolution, headlined by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Then Michael Jordan would be the breakout athlete and create a huge sneaker market through his brand with Nike. Fast forward to today, and many players can boast about having their line. However, Jaylen Brown senses monotony and a void for creativity in the space.

Recently, he made an appearance on Complex’s popular segment, ‘Sneaker Shopping’. Brown, who is a sneaker-free agent after his deal with Adidas expired in 2021 is relishing the opportunity of using shoes from multiple brands during the NBA. He has worn Nike, Adidas, New Balance and most recently went with his former teammate Kyrie Irving‘s signature shoe.

During the lackluster All-Star game, Brown put on the ANTA’s KAI 1, Irving’s first signature collaboration with the Chinese brand. The Mavericks guard expressed his gratitude towards the Celtics starlet for his gesture. But it might be indicative of Brown’s respect for his efforts.

Jaylen Brown appreciates Kyrie Irving sneakers in today’s “boring” sneaker market

While sharing stories with Joe La Puma, the host of Complex’s Sneaker Shopping, Jaylen Brown took time to speak about the current state of NBA sneaker lines. He wasn’t impressed. Having tried out a variety of sneakers, Brown has noticed a drop in creativity.

When describing the creations, he went as far as saying they are “trash”, surprising to think considering his teammate Jayson Tatum recently launched his signature sneaker with the Jordan brand. “There needs to be some disruption in the sneaker game because everything is kind of getting boring. The designs are getting lazy. There’s no creativity. There’s no authenticity. Some of the sneakers that are out right now, even for athletes, are trash. We gotta come with the originality and bring it back to the ’90s,” Brown told La Puma.

His blunt admission clears one thing. Brown will only put something on his foot if he respects the creation and thinks it is something worth promoting. During the biggest weekend, when the cameras are following players like a hawk, Brown decided to don the $28.72 billion brand’s KAI 1 during the first half. “Shoutout to JB. He is one of my tribal brothers. We have been close for the past years and I was just grateful that he took that opportunity to showcase the KAI 1. Such a selfless act,” Kyrie Irving said about Brown.

Even when a Nike athlete, Kyrie Irving was one of the most popular sneaker sellers. He has a natural acumen for designing sneakers and often sends a message through them. His unique collaborations and amazing creativity made his sneakers a fan favorite. Brown seems to acknowledge that and gave him his props during the 2024 All-Star game.

Currently, KAI is the chief creative officer for Anta. It gives him uninterrupted freedom to create his designs and present his story encased within a sneaker. The Mavericks guard also has the role of a talent scout. Brown is longing to bring back originality and make waves in the sneaker market. There might not be a better hire for Irving, given Brown already respects his artistic flair.

Should he recruit Jaylen Brown to Anta? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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