CHICAGO - After his December 2022 divorce from shoe giant Nike, questions were raised if Kyrie Irving could sell sneakers with the same commercial success outside of the swoosh umbrella where his Kyrie line was immensely popular.
The answer, of course, is a resounding yes.
Prior to Game One of the NBA Finals last Friday, the eight-time All-Star put on a pair of Anta Kai 1 Speeds in Twin Flame colorway. Just a day before that, the debut stock of the Playoffs Energy version of the line sold out in mere minutes.
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"It's absolutely electric right now. His tribe (fan groups) has been supporting him through and through. They've shown up. We don't have enough pairs in the United States and could probably do 10 times the amount of what we are putting in the marketplace," Christian Laursen, ANTA's head of U.S. marketing, told Sportico.com.
In the Philippines, a hotbed for NBA fandom where Irving has an enormously sizable following, the ANTA Kai 1 kicks are kicking ass.
According to Complex Philippines, the ANTA Kai 1, which retails at P7,995, is being sold in the secondary market for up to P25,000.
After Game Five of the Western Conference finals last month at the Target Center in Minnesota, I spoke to the 32-year old point guard about the fiery reception his latest brand has gotten from Filipino hoopers and sneaker heads alike.
IF THE SHOES FITS.
He said he was "pleased" to hear about that but "not surprised" given the support he has always enjoyed from his fans around the world dating back to his time with Nike where he had a total of nine sneaker lines.
As he meandered toward the idling visitors' team bus, Kyrie told me he'd visit the Philippines "this summer" but didn't give a specific timeline.
At today's Mavericks practice leading to tomorrow's Game Four of the NBA Finals, I asked the former No.1 overall pick (2011 NBA draft) if he already had a specific date in mind for a Manila journey.
"Very soon. Very soon," he said.
Obviously, Irving's focus is lasered on the championships where his Mavericks are trying to become the first team in the history of the NBA playoffs to ever dig out of an 0-3 hole.
As of May 2024, a total of 156 teams have attempted a monumental comeback from an 0-3 deficit to win a series. All have failed and only four managed to force a Game Seven.
But even as he continues to navigate a perilous trail in these NBA Finals, Irving blurted out his love for his Filipino fans.
"Philippines, man. "You guys got my heart. For sure."
Kyrie then retreated toward the inner bowels of the American Airlines Center where he will re-emerge in 24 hours and fight to save Dallas' season against the fury of those rampaging Boston Celtics.
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