Grading the New Generation of Signature Athletes in the NBA

How will the latest crop of signature athletes impact the sneaker world?

by Zac Dubasik

There’s a new crop of NBA players getting signature sneakers. But what kind of impact will these players have on the landscape of sneaker culture? Here’s a closer look at the most recent additions to signature basketball sneaker club, who have either recently launched lines, or soon will. 

Player: John Wall

Team: Washington Wizards

Brand: adidas

Sneaker: J Wall 1

Price: $115 Current

Season Stats: 17.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 10 APG

Outlook: The J Wall 1 isn’t John’s first signature shoe, but chances are that you’ve either forgotten about his Reebok line, or wish you could. Either way, this is his first go-around with adidas. The brand isn’t the only thing that’s changed though. Wall’s game has matured and improved. And his team is now a top contender in the East rather than a laughingstock. The odds were stacked against Wall’s first signature run, but with his game improving, only time will tell if he can carry the brand. The failure of Wall’s original signature line, combined with a first model that doesn't stand out too much from a busy lineup of signature point guard silhouettes by adidas, makes things more difficult.

Impact Potential: Weak

 

 

Player: Damian Lillard

Team: Portland Trailblazers

Brand: adidas

Sneaker: TBA

Price: TBA  

Current Season Stats: 19.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 6.3 APG

Outlook: Even though he was the number-six pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, Damian Lillard came into the league with an under-the-radar profile. But he’s exceeded expectations through every step of his young career, capturing Rookie of the Year honors his first season, and developing a reputation as a clutch shooter. Still, Lillard is hardly a household name. Working in his favor, however, is an expected affordable price point for his first signature line, and a low-cut silhouette that’s been missing from adidas hoops’ offerings.

Impact Potential: Fair

 

 

Player: Kyrie Irving

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Brand: Nike

Sneaker: Kyrie 1

Price: $110

Current Season Stats: 22 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.8 APG

Outlook: A long-expected signature line for Kyrie Irving became official just last week. And the fact that fans were calling for it even prior to the return of LeBron James to Cleveland bodes well for its chances, assuming the Cavs find their winning formula. If Irving could support a signature line even in the basement of the lowly East, deep playoff runs should only help solidify the line’s stature. And with Kobe entering the twilight of his career, it won’t be long before Kyrie moves into Nike’s #3 spot, behind only KD, and his own teammate, LeBron.

Impact Potential: Strong

 

 

Player: Stephen Curry

Team: Golden State Warriors

Brand: Under Armour

Sneaker: TBA

Price: TBA

Current Season Stats: 23.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.7 APG

Outlook: Following last week’s revelation by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank that Stephen Curry would be soon getting his own shoe, we have one more name to add to this list. Curry isn’t Under Armour’s first flirtation with signature basketball, but it is their first time with a legitimate star on a relevant team. And since signing him last season, his stock has significantly risen. Curry is doing his part, and then some. Under Armour’s track record with basketball product, however, doesn’t have the strongest reputation with the sneaker buying public. The fate of his line may largely lie with the product itself. If UA is able to deliver on the design side, Curry has set his line up for success with his on-court play.

Impact Potential: Strong