Next in Line: Why Kyrie Irving Deserves a Signature Sneaker

The affinity for Irving grew when a Pepsi commercial surfaced of an old basketball player destroying opposing players in streetball competition. Kyrie Irving’s “Uncle Drew” alter ego became the stuff of legends, as the commercial has reached over 24 million views. Even more astonishing than the number of hits, Irving concocted the idea of Uncle Drew himself. The “Summer of Irving” was capped when the precocious young star was caught on tape challenging none other than Kobe Bryant to a one-on-one game. It is not a big deal for a young player to want to challenge the best, except Irving did not simply want to fulfill a fantasy of playing Kobe. Irving convincingly stated he would win the game. Unbelievable talent, unshakeable confidence, and undeniable creativity are all elements of a star, and all characteristics that Kyrie Irving displayed before his second NBA season.

However, it is a rarity for a rookie to have his own shoe. Even Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose had to wait until the year after their Rookie of the Year campaigns. LeBron’s first shoe was titled the Nike Air Zoom Generation. Skepticism runs rampant with sneaker companies, and rightfully so, as many players have not panned out throughout the years. Irving is different. After a year that opened eyes, and a summer that brightened the spotlight, he simply upped his play to an All-Star level. Simply making the game was not enough for the budding star, though. Irving made it his weekend. After putting on a show in the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge that included an ankle-breaking crossover on Pistons guard Brandon Knight, he won the Foot Locker 3-point contest. The following night, Irving performed very well against the best the League had to offer in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.  With him competing every night, imagine if he wore a signature model, instead of the Nike Hyperdunk 2012 PEs that were given to him.

Kyrie Irving rocking Nike Hyperdunk 2012 PE in 2013 All Star Game

Kyrie Irving is the leader of the new era of talent in the NBA. He already has commercial success, and is trending toward long term athletic success as well. Cleveland also has the number one pick in the 2013 lottery, which will undoubtedly bring more eyes to that Cavaliers squad throughout the months leading up to the season. Those eyes will gaze in Irving’s direction more often than not. With a large social media following, and one of Nike Basketball’s big three closer to the end of his career than the beginning, who better to pass the torch to than Kyrie Irving? One thing is for certain, Kyrie Irving is an amazing young player with a relateable personality to match. With a major endorsement deal with PepsiMax already earning him greater visibility, he is a proven commodity for any brand. As one commenter simply stated in our article detailing the Nike Hyperdunk 2012 “Kyrie Irving” PE, “I’d cop anything he wore.”