Since his adidas deal expired in 2021, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics has been a sneaker free agent. Throughout the 2022-23 season, Brown has favored a variety of Nike models, most notably the Kobe 6 Protro. He’s also paid respect to the renowned Bill Russell and his adored grandma, Dianne Varnado, through his artwork.

The NBA lost one of its most prominent figures, Bill Russell, before the season began. Russell’s legacy has been honored admirably by the league and his former squad.

The Boston Celtics welcomed the Atlanta Hawks in Game One of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on Saturday afternoon. With 29 points, Jaylen Brown guided the Celtics to victory and paid tribute to Russell in the process.

Brown is a footwear free agent, however he has usually worn Nike sneakers from Kobe Bryant’s signature line. Brown took the floor with a pair of gorgeous sneakers personalized down to the last detail before the highly anticipated playoff showdown.

Nike Kobe 5 Prototype

Brown donned the Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Chaos,’ which retailed for $175 on January 3, 2019. The sneakers currently have an average selling price of $724 on StockX. To honor Russell, Brown should wear sneakers from the Nike Kobe brand.

The artist recreated an image of Brown and Russell on the lateral side panel and flowers on the medial side panel. Russell’s jersey number six is also featured on the toe box of both sneakers.

On Tuesday night, Boston will host Atlanta in Game Two of the series. Brown and the Celtics, on the other hand, have their sights set on a much bigger prize. Winning another Larry O’Brien Trophy in the season following Russell’s death would mean a great deal to the city, club, and league.