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OKLAHOMA CITY – Paul George said Thursday that he had contacted Nike to find out "what was wrong" with his PG 2.5 branded shoe that Zion Williamson wore when he was injured at knee Wednesday.
"First of all, I want to wish him the best of success," George said. "I do not know the seriousness of the injury at the moment, we wish him every success in his recovery, if the situation is serious, and I am honestly with him at this time of injury."
"But aside from that, I do not necessarily know what happened, how it happened," George said. "I spoke to Nike to find out what was wrong, what happened with the shoe and I'm proud of it." My shoes were a performance shoe, not only in the university, but also in the NBA, a lot of people have participated, a lot So, I do not necessarily know, but this has never happened to me, so it's difficult. "
George also contacted Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on Thursday to check if Williamson was at best and wish him a speedy recovery.
Nike teams about two-thirds of NBA players, and nearly 40 of them have worn the PG series every season since its launch three seasons ago – the highest shoe of all NBA players. A few weeks ago, George and Nike released the latest version of his PG 3 branded shoe, although most players, other than George, still wear PG 2 and PG 2.5 shoes in the summer. in the autumn of 2018.
As a result of Williamson's injury, George became a target of negativity on social networks, with fans tweeting him about his shoes. Nike's stock price also fell, down about 1 percent, or 97 cents, to $ 83.87 in trading from noon to Thursday.
"It did not happen as long as I was in this shoe, it's been three generations that our shoe was successful, so I did not necessarily feel indifferent to this part, the negative part of it "said George.
"My only concern is for Zion, honestly, people place a lot of importance on the shoe, everything should have been about Zion, his injury." It was the only thing that worried me, it was how bad it was and I hoped that it was not bad and something he could come back to. "
George's shoe is popular in university programs. Kentucky has recently been associated with an exclusive color scheme for the PG 2.5 team. Duke also has an exclusive color for the team.
"We are obviously concerned and wish Sion a speedy recovery," Nike said in a statement. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance.Even if it is an isolated event, we are working to identify the problem."
While most NBA players will move to a new shoe every three to five games – and many brand players will wear a new pair in every game – Williamson seemed to be wearing the same pair throughout the year. Nike will examine if the shoe was simply worn.
Footwear industry sources, Nick DePaula of ESPN, said that there was a consensus within Nike that Williamson is an incomparable force and that she will guarantee her own bespoke shoes with support. and an additional reinforcement once he's a pro. Custom-made shoes for college players are rare, except in the case of extreme size or fit. Kenny George of UNC Asheville has made the center 7-foot-7 Kenny George 12 custom pairs of a shoe size 26.
As a result of Williamson's injury, some NBA players criticized the NCAA and expressed their opinion on whether Williamson should stay away from the rest of the season to prepare for the repechage.
"Because he's been hurt? It's part of the game," George said. "Injuries are part of the game. It's a bit too much in business. He went to college to play basketball, eventually winning a championship. To be hurt once, if he wants to close it – injuries are part of the game. "
Duke spokesman Mike DeGeorge on Thursday was unable to confirm to the Associated Press an Action Network report that Williamson was applying a $ 8 million loss of value policy. written by the International Specialty Insurance of Winston-Salem. the June project. ISI officials did not return telephone and electronic messages to the AP on Thursday.
Nick DePaula of ESPN contributed to this report. IThe information provided by Associated Press was also used.
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