With 10 signature shoes in 7 years, Klay Thompson’s partnership with ANTA has certainly been a productive one. The four-time NBA champion recently reflected on his growing shoe empire with the Chinese brand and his relationship with fellow ANTA athlete turned teammate, Kyrie Irving. “ Kyrie and I go way back.
The 2011 Draft class, playing on Team USA together, battling against each other in the Finals for many years. Now, we’re teammates, and it’s a full circle. The fact that we’re wearing the same shoe brand now is even cooler, ” Thompson shared in an interview with Boardroom.
Irving signed as Chief Creative Officer for the $28 billion brand in July 2023. One year later, ANTA’s longest-tenured hooper, Klay, would join the 2012 Rookie of the Year in Dallas. A little less than a decade ago though, their dynamic was very different.
During the Christmas Day game in 2016, Thompson experienced Irving’s greatness first-hand when the shifty point guard scored a game-winner over his outstretched hand. Klay would get his revenge too, denying the Cavs two championships during Kyrie’s stint in Cleveland. However, that intense rivalry has only built respect between the two 2011 Draft classmates.
In fact, Irving played an instrumental role in helping the Mavericks land the five-time All-Star. Before the 2024-25 season tipped off, Kai was full of praise for Klay. “ He’s just an overall good person.
It’s a luxury that we don’t take for granted having that type of g.