Open Thread: DeJounte Murray makes the move to New Balance

Spurs guard Dejounte Murray, returning this season after an ACL injury cost him the entire 2018-2019 season, officially began his own era with New Balance sneakers last Saturday night in the Spurs’ first preseason game against the Orlando Magic.

Murray, who has worn Nike since entering the league as the 29th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, went with (ironically enough) the New Balance OMN1, “Reign,” an upcoming colorway release of the signature sneaker of former disgruntled Spur Kawhi Leonard. Leonard himself left Nike-affiliate Jordan Brand last year over a contract dispute involving money, debuting the OMN1s in his only season in Toronto.

New Balance is not known for making basketball apparel, and up to this point, their most (in)famous player was the Red Mamba himself, Matt Bonner. The brand currently views Leonard as their franchise sponsor going forward, as the company tries to get back into the Nike- and Adidas-dominated basketball scene. New Balance accounted for just 0.2% of player’s sneakers in last year’s NBA season. In contrast, 62.6% of players wore Nike brand sneakers. What is unknown is if New Balance plans to prominently feature Murray going forward as they have done with Leonard.

Let us know which player’s sneakers you’re interested in the comment section!

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