Playing a nationally broadcast game against your previous team is the pinnacle of sports fandom. So doing while rocking your very first pair of signature trainers for a different label. Kyrie Irving, a guard with the Dallas Mavericks, accomplished just that in tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Irving made her sneaker debut wearing the “Artist On Court” colorway of the ANTA KAI 1. Irving began wearing several iterations of his first trademark sneaker while playing in the NBA after beginning the season with the ANTA Shock Wave 5. 

An official model has apparently been decided upon by the mysterious point guard and his new footwear sponsor. Nick DePaula of Boardroom shared a photo of the purple and pink colour scheme on social media, which you can see below.

It is widely known that Irving and Nike parted ways in 2022. Irving inked a five-year apparel and footwear deal with the Chinese manufacturer ANTA after spending the majority of last season as a sneaker free agent. Irving was appointed Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball by the deal.

Irving has made other moves in the footwear market as well. Irving became the Chief Community Officer of sneaker site KICKS CREW in December after investing in the company. 

Release details, technical specifications, and price for the ANTA KAI 1 are currently under wraps. Nonetheless, ANTA and Irving will likely be prepared to turn up the heat in the months ahead as the regular season winds down. Keep checking FanNationKicks.com for the latest sports shoe news.