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Nikki Nicholson

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Kyle Ramos

Not just any player gets a signature shoe in the NBA, but De’Aaron Fox is not just any player.

This week on Bleacher Report’s B/R Kicks channel, Fox hopped on a virtual call with NBA legend Charles Barkley to discuss the latter’s upcoming sneaker release.

Barkley explained during the conversation his thought process behind the creation of his own signature shoe: the Nike Air Max CB ‘94.

“I was looking for light, but I wanted ‘em to be really sturdy,” Barkley told Meech from the B/R Kicks team.

The spotlight then turned to De’Aaron, a rising star in his own right in the Association. When No. 5 was asked if he had thought about getting his own signature sneakers one day, the Kings floor general responded with “definitely” but also acknowledged that he still has some steps to take.

“I know I have to continue to rise my game and carry my team,” said Swipa. “And then those type of things will come.”

Fox referred to several of Kobe Bryant’s shoes as some of his favorites to hoop in historically. However, due to some ankle injury issues, the Kentucky product had recently turned to lacing up the high top Kobe 9’s in particular - a sneaker that he would want his signature kicks to be “very similar to.”

Swipa got a taste of customizing his own set of sneakers last summer when he teamed up with Nike to create his own spin on the classic Air Max 1 model.

The full conversation can be viewed below.

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Swipa Talks Signature Shoes with Charles Barkley

Shoes and basketball have gone hand in hand for quite some time, but sneaker culture is larger than it’s ever been.

Players across the Association are constantly swapping out the sneakers on a game-to-game basis, sometimes even on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

According to a recent story by The Sacramento Bee, the Kings locker room offers a varying range of sneakerheads.

Harry Giles III, for example, said that he has “at least” 200 pairs of kicks to his name. Though, he also claimed that he is trying to scale back on his shoe purchases.

“I’ve got too many of them,” Giles said to The Sacramento Bee.

Justin James is in just his first season in the League, but has already started adding more to his collection early on in his career.

“We definitely have a great supply of shoes, but whenever we want something specific, we have to pay out of pocket,” said the rookie. “I don’t mind, obviously.”

Fans across the NBA have become familiar with De’Aaron Fox’s willingness to bring out unique sneakers during games, stepping into a wide array of colors and styles.

Swipa shied away from being a sneakerhead himself, but instead claimed that his brother Quentin is better suited for the title.

“He gets me more stuff than he gets himself,” said the Kings point guard. “He’s definitely more into it. He’s the creative type. Anything custom I wear during a game is something he’s created.”

Fox isn’t the only one with family influencing his shoe game. Richaun Holmes also claimed that his mom is actually responsible for adding to his footwear selection.

“My mom constantly sends me shoes,” No. 22 said. “That’s what’s funny. She’s more the shoe person than I am.”

Head coach Luke Walton is a former player who gets the idea of sneaker culture to an extent, but is far more focused on how the squad performs regardless of what they’re lacing up.

“But whatever gets guys comfortable and ready to play, we want to provide that.”

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Keeping Up with the Kings Kicks

Allison Ward

“I see it,” Fox said. “I get tagged in it [on social media] a lot. 

In an article with YAHOO Sports, Fox played coy when discussing the attention he has received towards his sneaker collection.

“I’m just in a position where I can get a lot of shoes,” Swipa stated, hesitant in claiming himself as a true sneakerhead. 

As we’ve seen on the hardwood, Fox tends to stick to the Kobe 9 model; a style that we’ve seen him play in from high school to Kentucky, and now in the NBA.

Players in the Association have the means to access almost any shoe they want if they look hard enough, and some are even willing to spend a pretty penny.

Fortunately, the League announced this past summer that they would be relaxing the restrictions on what kicks the players could wear during games, allowing them to get even more creative with their court style.

There has even been some talk circulating around the League around the claim of a true "sneaker king,” but Sactown’s sophomore guard isn’t too concerned on winning that title.

“There’s only a select few that they put on a pedestal,” Swipa explained. “People are always waiting to see what we’re going to wear next.”

Kings fans will get to see more of the creativity behind Fox and the rest of the squad’s sneaker style as they return to action on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

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De’Aaron Dubbed as One of the NBA’s Sneaker Kings

Tracee Jay

The future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade is on the #OneLastDance tour and made his final stop in Sacramento on Friday night.

While the Kings were able to pull off a thrilling 102-96 victory, that didn’t stop D-Wade from leaving some parting gifts.

Signing his game shoes, the Way of Wade All City 7s, he left a special message to Bogi and Buddy.

“To: Buddy, loved watching you play since college,” signed Wade.

For Bogi, Wade shared another positive sentiment.

“To Bogdan, love your game and the confidence you play with.”

Congratulations on a legendary career, the Kings surely felt the love as you left your mark with the squad during your final game in Sactown.