The Boston Celtics have secured the second seed in the east. They will take on the seventh seed on Saturday afternoon. Here, we take a look at the shoes the Boston Celtics players wear as they step onto the court.
In the modern NBA, players have the flexibility to rock whatever color pattern they desire on their footwear. Do they go for comfort? Do the go for support? Or what looks best. It’s a personal preference and varies with each athlete. However, one consistent thing is that there are plenty of options.
Sneakers have long been the most popular basketball “gear.” There’s even a movie out about it. Air tells the riveting story of Nike, Michael Jordan, and the world-famous Air Jordan sneaker empire. Larry Bird was a Converse player. Paul “The Truth” Pierce was a Nike athlete. And Kevin Garnett primarily wore Adidas.
Another major difference in the present-day NBA sneaker game is that players opt for a lower cut. High tops used to be the clear choice due to their ankle support. But now with modern design, it’s all about flexibility and the shoe being lightweight.
Nike has been the official partner of NBA uniforms since the 2017-18 season. Their deal runs through the 2024-25 season. However, each player has the individual right to secure their own shoe deal. In addition to endorsement money, each player decides what look and feel works best for them. Furthermore, they must consider their body type.
The 2022-2023 Boston Celtics roster collectively has four shoe brand partners. They are Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Jordan/Jumpman. What’s fascinating is that not every player has their own signature shoe with their partnered brand. In fact, most do not. So, you very well could have a player sporting a Lebron shoe or a KD. Or even the “Zoom Freak” made famous by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, their Eastern Conference rival (and #1 seed).
Here are the brands and shoes the Boston Celtics players wear.
NIKE
Nike is the most common shoe amongst Celtics players. You will see more swoosh logos upon the hardwood than any other. They players wearing Nike are: Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Mike Muscala Malcom Brogdon, Mfiondu Kabengele, Luke Kornet, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Grant Williams, Robert Williams, JD Davis and Justin Champagnie.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 09: The shoes of Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 09, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JORDAN
Jason Tatum and Blake Griffin sport the infamous Jumpman logo. Though Jordan brand is still technically under the Nike umbrella, they operate as a standalone brand. Tatum is the only athlete on the team that has a signature shoe named after him. The Jordan Tatum 1 even comes in a Pink Lemonade colorway option.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: A close up of the sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 21, 2023 in Sacramento, California.
ADIDAS
Though they’ve recently steered more towards lifestyle and runners, Adidas still has a presence in the NBA. Danilo Gallinari wears Adidas.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 17: A general view of the atmosphere during the adidas Basketball “Remember The Why” media event on February 17, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
PUMA
Last but not least, one of the Celtics most important players wears Puma. Marcus Smart resigned with Puma last year. Puma’s main U.S.A. corporate office is in Boston. It makes sense for them to pair with a local hometown pro. It doesn’t hurt that he is also the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 06: The shoes of Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 06, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio.
