Five NBA Players Most Likely to Get Signature Sneaker Lines

Predicting the next five NBA players that will get a signature sneaker line.

The 2022-23 NBA season has been eventful, thanks to the mix of blockbuster trades and historic individual achievements. In addition to the action on the court, several players have made major moves in the footwear and apparel world.

In just the past few months, we have seen some players' signature sneaker lines go up in smoke while others (Jayson Tatum and Ja Morant) are enjoying the launch of their new basketball shoes. 

With sneaker companies constantly competing for talent, it's safe to assume more players will receive their own signature lines soon. Below is FanNation Kicks' list of the next five players that are most likely to get a signature line soon.

Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine looks on during a game / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine signed with New Balance in March 2022. The American company has done an excellent job of signing young talent and lacing them up in some of the best performance basketball shoes on the market.

While New Balance has quickly grown an exciting roster of talented young players, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is the only player with a signature line. However, LaVine is the next logical choice if New Balance decides to launch a second signature line. 

The 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion has worn the New Balance TWO WXY v3 and debuted the Fresh Foam BB in Paris, France. It is clear that New Balance values the ultra-athletic two-guard.

Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero dribbles the basketball / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon a top draft pick. Banchero has led Orlando as a rookie with 19.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

The bruising power forward signed with Jordan Brand in 2022 and has played in Zion Williamson's second signature shoe (the Jordan Zion 2) this season. Jordan Brand has made an effort to go younger with its signature athletes. 

Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul's signature lines ended in recent years (Russell Westbrook is likely next). Meanwhile, Williamson, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum have all enjoyed recent launches of signature lines. Banchero seems like a natural fit for a signature shoe in the not-so-distant future.

Bones Hyland

Bones Hyland questions a foul call / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Bones Hyland was recently traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Los Angeles Clippers. That kind of move might shake the confidence of most second-year players, but not Hyland.

The combo guard has outperformed many other players drafted ahead of him in 2021. But Hyland's play has not surprised Under Armour, who signed the former VCU Ram fresh out of college.

Of course, Under Armour's basketball roster has Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid, but the brand will soon need younger blood. Hyland is the perfect face for a new generation of Under Armour hoopers.

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving points to a teammate / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Following a string of highly-controversial remarks, Nike canceled the launch of Kyrie Irving's final signature shoe and parted ways with the polarizing point guard. Since then, Irving has worn older models from his signature line and concealed the Swoosh logos.

No major brand is going to align itself with a player as risky and unpredictable as Irving. However, several smaller suitors will be lined up and ready to sign Irving if he chooses to go that route. Or perhaps, Irving could start his own company. Either way, Irving will get another signature shoe deal from somewhere soon.

Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama looks on during a timeout / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, Victor Wembanyama is not yet in the NBA. However, the french prospect is already a global sensation thanks to his blend of size and skill. As a result, there will be no shortage of brands pursuing the 2023 NBA top draft pick.

Former Nike and Adidas executive Sonny Vaccaro said Wembanyama deserves a blank check from a sneaker company, and we are inclined to agree with the godfather of basketball shoe deals. 

Nike seems like a safe bet to land Wembanyama since it's rare that the biggest brand in the world ever gets spurned. If that's the case, expect to see the "Nike Air Wembanyamas" sometime in the near future.

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