In this Sept. 25, 2015, file photo, Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul Pierce speaks during the team’s NBA basketball media day in Los Angeles. AP Photo
Not every NBA player gets to have his own signature shoe, so what they do is wear the signature shoes of those who have one like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, John Wall, Stephen Curry, among others.
There’s nothing wrong with wearing someone’s shoe, although James once said he will tear the behind off his competitor if he wears his shoes.
Paul Pierce, for the matter, has his own signature shoe although his Nike Legacy 3 is almost eight-years-old and he doesn’t mind wearing some other models from the swoosh brand.
What he won’t wear, however, are James’, Bryant’s, or Durant’s.
Pierce once issued a locker room edict to his teammates to never wear James’ shoes and he too takes it a step further.
“I would never wear a rival’s shoe,” Pierce told Kicks On Fire. “LeBron’s been a rival for years, Kobe in the Finals two times. If anything, I would wear something neutral.”
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Pierce and James did have an epic rivalry with the climax during Game 7 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals when the once Boston Celtic dropped 41 points while the other man with the headband unleashed 45.
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Bryant was also one of Pierce’s on-court nemesis when the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers faced off in the 2008 and 2010 Finals with both teams splitting.
“Actually, not even Kevin Durant, especially now that I’m in the Western Conference. If I was still in the East, I might consider it,” Pierce said.
Pierce, however, would pay homage to Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway who have retired from the game as he will wear Air Jordans and Pennys.
“If anything, I would wear a Jordan or a throwback Penny.” RAM