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No More Taping Over Nike Logos, Deandre Ayton Finally Debuted His Puma Sneakers

Puma has been pushing back into the NBA market after years of absence and started the summer with a boom, signing number one and two draft picks Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley. Stars like DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay followed the rookies over to Puma.

But during Ayton’s impressive Summer Leauge and preseason games, he was wearing Nike sneakers. The Nike Kobe ADs to be precise, but with the Nike logo taped over.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

But Ayton choosing to play in Nikes wasn’t a shot at Puma. The reason: As said in Summer League, Puma didn’t want Ayton wearing the new shoes until they had it right. His size 18 sneakers are still in the process of development.

They finally are ready. During the preseason game between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors, Ayton debuted his Puma sneakers. Ayton finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds in his Clyde Court Disrupt shoes.

Here’s a look at Deandre Ayton’s signature Puma’s, which he’s debuting tonight against the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/azZv9u6SyV

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 9, 2018