Between the end of the World Cup and the start of the training camp which will mark the resumption of the NBA season, the timing was perfect for the announcement to make a big splash. Visiting China for his first tour as an athlete (and creative director) of Anta Sports, Kyrie Irving visited the Chinese firm’s facilities before going to Shanghai for the official presentation of its new logo.
At the same time, the walls of the cities of Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey and Dallas were assailed with 11 murals created by four American artists: Skyler Grey, Destiny “Desi”, Lina Montoya, and Theo Ponchaveli.
The creations retrace the journey and life of the player, and also highlight this new collaboration now symbolized by this unique logo.
This roughly presents two opposite letters “K” also highlighting the number 11 worn by the player. But on closer inspection, we can find more meanings.
The top four pillars represent Irving’s basketball qualities: speed, focus, agility and strength. The bases of these four pillars reflect the members of his family. The arrangement of these two “Ks” is also inspired by the Anta Sports logo.
“The K of Kyrie symbolizes self-knowledge, thus forming harmony”, can we also read on the description accompanying the release of this new logo, which Kyrie Irving wore for the first time on a t-shirt during his visit to Shanghai.
The foundations of the two lower limbs represent his father and mother, while the roots of 11 are a nod to his family.
After this launch with great fanfare, we are now awaiting the first concrete collaborations between the player and the brand. As for a first signature shoe, accompanied by its new logo, we will probably have to wait until 2024.
Photo credit: Anta
