Let the Internet laugh. Kawhi Leonard DOES NOT CARE. Yes, the all caps is necessary because Leonard clearly doesn’t value anybody’s opinion more than his own. As it should be. He’s doing things the Kawhi way and it’s all working out just fine, thank you very much. (Note: Toronto Raptors, first place.) So maybe New Balance isn’t the coolest shoe in the basketball universe? Not yet.
But the American-made New Balance sneaker brand is preparing to be a contender. Look, if you’re just a Nike and Air Jordan junkie, feeding your dealer every time he turns the corner with a new LeBron or Kyrie colorway, then you’re an addict and you won’t understand. Kawhi Leonard isn’t like that. Kawhi is doing more by signing with New Balance than just lining his pockets with sneaker lucre: he’s showing people who love sneakers a bigger world. Don’t be sheep, sneakerheads! That’s Kawhi’s message. You know who else rocked New Balance — Apple icon Steve Jobs.
BREAKING: Kawhi Leonard looks…kind of cool in New Balance actually? pic.twitter.com/bCVMmQSTNq
— 12upSports (@12upSports) December 3, 2018
And this isn’t entrepreneur Gary Vee introducing his signature K-Swiss either (though Gary Vee’s shoes are cool). This is Steve Jobs, the most famous of all New Balance wearers and the American icon of individualism and going your own way and following your path. Just like Kawhi Leonard is becoming. Jobs was so identified with New Balance that Ryan Gosling reprimands Steve Carrell in the movie Crazy Stupid Love about his New Balance: “Are you Steve Jobs?” Because if not, you got no right to wear New Balance sneakers ever.” (See clip below.) Kawhi Leonard is just that good. Kawhi Leonard can wear anything he wants. Kawhi Leonard in New Balance is the next Steve Jobs.
