Mavs' Kyrie Irving Reportedly Signs Father, Drederick, to ANTA Signature Shoe Line
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving reportedly made a unique choice for his first signing for his ANTA shoe line.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on Tuesday that Irving signed his father, Drederick to a signature shoe deal, marking the first time an athlete has signed their dad to a shoe deal.
Charania added that Drederick Irving's shoe will be released in Foot Locker in September. The elder Irving played college basketball at Boston University and professionally in Australia, where Kyrie was born.
Irving's father has been a frequent attendee at the eight-time All-Star's games throughout his career. He watched Irving help lead the Mavs to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they will face the Boston Celtics.
"He's my biggest fan," Irving said of his father last year, per Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News. "One of my harshest critics. But he's always been honest."
Irving has sported multiple editions of his ANTA line on the court this season, most recently debuting his "Chief Hélà" colorway during the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Irving signed a five-year deal with ANTA in July 2023 after being dropped by Nike in December 2022. He was named Chief Creative Officer of the brand and was given the ability to recruit and sign other people to the company, per Kellen Bulger of the Dallas Morning News.
The 32-year-old will be chasing his second championship ring when he and the Mavs open the NBA Finals in Boston on Thursday night.
