As the Boston Celtics await the conclusion of the Orlando Magic – Cleveland Cavaliers series to determine their opponent for the upcoming Eastern Conference semifinal, attention turns to some of the off-court aspects of the game. Among these discussions is the curious choice of footwear by Celtics guard Payton Pritchard.

Pritchard, who has been spotted sporting Sabrina Ionescu’s signature Nike shoes, recently shed light on his footwear selection. Both Pritchard and Ionescu shared their collegiate basketball journey at the University of Oregon, where they played all four years before transitioning to the professional ranks.

Ionescu, who was the top pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, and Pritchard, drafted 26th by the Celtics, formed a bond during their time at Oregon. While Pritchard may not have his own signature shoe line, he has found comfort in wearing his friend’s footwear on the court.

Pritchard isn’t the sole NBA player donning Ionescu’s signature kicks. During NBA All-Star Weekend, Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II shared an engaging exchange with Ionescu regarding her shoes. He expressed gratitude for their comfort, while she reciprocated appreciation for his support in wearing them.

The popularity and comfort of Ionescu’s signature shoes speak volumes about their quality. Not only has Ionescu showcased her skills and profile during NBA All-Star Saturday, but her footwear has also garnered acclaim for its performance and comfort.

Looking ahead, Ionescu aims to pave the way for more WNBA players to have their own signature shoe lines. If they offer even half the comfort of hers, it could be a game-changer for basketball players across the board, reinforcing the importance of quality footwear in the sport.