Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is widely recognized as one of the league's most popular and influential players today.
Despite not securing an MVP or significant awards, George's smooth style of play, especially given his size, has led to him being affectionately dubbed the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) by various young players.
Notably, this recognition comes from this year's second overall pick, Hornets forward Brandon Miller, and Kiyan Anthony, the son of former NBA player Carmelo Anthony, showing George's significant impact and influence on the next generation of players.
Due to his immense popularity, George had a signature shoe line with the sportswear giant Nike, which gained popularity among the youth and NBA players alike. However, it's been two years since he last released a shoe with the Swoosh brand.
Let's take a deep dive into what happened to Paul George's Nike shoes.
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Paul George's Shoe
The 6-foot-8 forward announced his first Nike signature shoe, the Nike PG 1, in January 2017 during his final season with the Indiana Pacers. He became the 21st NBA player to receive a shoe from the Beaverton-based company.
The Nike PG 1 experienced rapid success, quickly becoming the most-worn shoe in the entire NBA for the 2017-18 season. The next models of his sneakers, from the Nike PG 2 to 6, received further acclaim for their performance and simplicity, making them fashionable enough to wear off the court.
However, despite the overall positive reception, George's Nike PG 2.5 shoe faced scrutiny in early 2019 when then-Duke star Zion Williamson tore through the shoe, resulting in an injury and sparking concerns about its quality.
Paul George Nike line discontinued
In February 2022, Nike unveiled the PG 6, marking the sixth iteration of the Clippers' star's signature shoe line.
Once again, the shoe proved to be hugely popular in the league, becoming the second-most worn shoe in the entire NBA in the 2022-23 NBA season with 29,524 minutes spent on the court, per Boardroom.
It trailed only the late Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe 6 Protro, initially released in 2011. George virtually had the most popular signature shoe line of an active player.
Despite no indications at that time, it would later be apparent that this edition would be the final installment of George's signature shoe line. As the season progressed, George would begin to wear Kobe Bryant shoes himself, including the Kobe 6 Protro.
By early 2023, the typical timeline for the announcement of George's new shoe, the Nike PG 7, was nowhere to be found, confirming the rumors that the line had come to an end.
Paul George replaced by Devin Booker
Shoe industry insiders speculated that George's shoe line, along with that of Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, might be succeeded by the signature sneakers of younger players, including Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.
Irving signed an endorsement deal with Chinese shoe brand ANTA in July 2023.
After Booker unveiled his first shoe, the Nike Book 1, over the summer, fans expressed dissatisfaction with its appearance, expressing a preference for George's simpler yet high-performing shoe.
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