If there is such a thing as a statement victory in the preseason, the Boston Celtics delivered it on Thursday night, thumping the Charlotte Hornets 127-99. Celtics player Jaylen Brown led the way with 20 points and made his own statement with sneakers.

Brown is a sneaker free agent, so he can wear whatever he wants on the court. The 26-year-old is wise beyond his years and frequently wears Nike basketball sneakers with custom paint jobs to honor the late-great Celtics legend, Bill Russell. Fans interested in learning more about Brown’s hoop shoes may have a closer look at them and a complete breakdown below.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro

Brown revealed a new pair of bespoke kicks from Kobe Bryant’s namesake footwear line during his amazing performance. In December 2020, the Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Grinch’ colorway was released in limited numbers for $190. Most resale websites now charge more than $700 for the shoes.

Brown’s game-worn shoes would cost a fortune. The Swoosh emblem was replaced with a black and gold graphic that showcased Russell’s incredible basketball resume. The medial and lateral sides of the sneakers feature phrases like “5x NBA MVP,” “963 Regular Season Games Played,” and other remarkable numbers from Russell’s legendary career.

It’s difficult to improve on one of the most popular basketball sneakers in the Nike Kobe signature line, but Brown did it. It’s still preseason, but the perennial All-Star is already thinking about the playoffs. Keep an eye on FanNationKicks.com for the latest sneaker news.