Brandon Jennings loves that Kyrie Irving signed with Anta after a scandal with Nike: 'They wanna shut you out; we gonna find a new avenue'

When Nike ended its partnership with Kyrie Irving in December 2022, the move sent shockwaves across the basketball and sneaker industries.

This decision followed Irving's controversial tweet linking to a film with antisemitic content, sparking widespread criticism and raising questions about his career both on and off the court. Yet Kyrie did what he does best—adapted, innovated, and carved a new path.

Making new moves

At one point, the 2016 NBA champion's signature sneakers were the second-best seller globally in 2017, trailing only LeBron James. Known for their sleek design and court-ready performance, the Kyrie series dominated the basketball footwear market, with young players and fans alike rocking the line in arenas and on playgrounds.

However, this success was abruptly halted after that controversial tweet in 2022; Nike severed ties, stating that the company stands for inclusivity and doesn't condone hate speech. It was a defining moment for "Ky," one that challenged his brand and forced him to reevaluate his position in the sneaker industry.

One year later, in September 2023, "Uncle Drew" joined forces with Anta, the world's largest sports equipment company by revenue and the third-largest sporting goods manufacturer globally.

Brandon Jennings, a former NBA star, didn't hold back his admiration for the Dallas Mavericks star's bold move.

"I love it," Jennings said. "He's another one, man; they want to shut you out; we're going to find another avenue. I love it, bro. Shoutout to Kyrie; he's in his own lane; he's doing his own thing."

New brand, same goals

With Kyrie in their fold, Anta now boasts of having two major NBA stars in their fold. The company signed Klay Thompson in 2014, who coincidentally is now teammates with Irving.

The eight-time NBA All-Star debuted his KAI 1 sneakers with Anta during the 2023-2024 NBA season, showcasing his unique flair while playing alongside Luka Doncic for the Mavs.

The KAI 1 sneakers offer innovative designs and performance-driven features that resonate with athletes and fans. While Nike remains a dominant force in the market, Anta's partnership with top stars marks a new era where athletes have a more significant say in shaping their brands and creating a global impact.

Aside from owning sneakers, the former Cleveland Cavaliers star was appointed chief creative officer of Anta's basketball division. In this role, Kyrie can recruit other basketball players and celebrities to collaborate on product lines, expanding Anta's influence far beyond the Chinese market.