Signature sneakers are a lot more scarce than they used to be. In the 90s, it seems as if everyone owned a signature shoe at one point. We even witnessed rosters with two signature players on the same team: Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen, Penny Hardaway/Shaq and Shawn Kemp/Gary Payton. These days, signature lines are more sacred. Only the cream of the crop – the LeBrons, the Durants and the Derrick Roses – have signatures. Should Kyrie Irving be included? Yes, and the time is now.

Increased Television Time

All eyes will be on the Cleveland Cavaliers this season for obvious reasons.

During the past three seasons, the Cavs have had a total of 11 national television appearances – five last season and one per season in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. With the addition of LeBron James and Kevin Love this offseason, we can expect to see Cleveland on ESPN, TNT and NBA TV almost every week, maybe twice during some 7-day stretches. The significant increase in TV time translates into a limitless amount of eyes on the footwear of the Cavs players, specifically LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, which creates the perfect moment for Nike to take advantage of new product on one of the league’s rising stars.

Lead image via Abita Jefferson