Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving has been seen walking the streets of China without a shirt, as fans follow him around wherever he goes.
Kyrie just causally walking through the streets in China 😂 pic.twitter.com/1itwx9NGmc
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) September 18, 2024
To note, ever since Irving and Nike decided to mutually part ways, the 13-year NBA vet signed a five-year footwear and apparel contract with the Chinese company ANTA, in July of 2023.
Kyrie Irving signs 5-year shoe deal with Chinese sportswear company ANTA pic.twitter.com/TMyDQEh4C3
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) July 12, 2023
With this in mind, the point guard's popularity in China has heightened, and now some Chinese fans will get a chance to see Kyrie in person, as there were hundreds, maybe thousands, lined up to meet him upon his arrival off the airplane.
Hundreds of fans were camped at the airport awaiting Kyrie’s arrival in China yesterday 🤯🤯 @KyrieIrving pic.twitter.com/GpO8RFdICI
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) September 18, 2024
Kyrie walking around in China with a Kobe jersey 💜🙌
(🎥 @lmz123456789) pic.twitter.com/aaFB136QFt
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) September 18, 2024
At one point, Kyrie even made a fan cry, as a boy was seen on camera in tears after getting an autograph from his favorite player.
Kyrie made this fans day in China 🥹🤞
(h/t @kyriecenterig) pic.twitter.com/16gxbf5Kd7
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) September 18, 2024
Currently Kyrie is on a southeast Asian tour with his first stop currently in Xiamen, a city in Fujian province, where the ANTA headquarters are located. That is, the 32-year-old will be staying here from September 17-22, before then heading to Bangkok, Thailand (September 22-23).
Notably, his endorsement deal with ANTA also includes perks, such as being the Chief Creative Officer of the brand. To mention, he is not the only one signed to the brand, as other NBA players under contract include Alex Caruso and Kyrie's new teammate Klay Thompson.
To point out also, this isn't the first time Kyrie has been welcomed to China, as he also made an appearance last year to debut his new logo and signature shoe with ANTA.
Mavs guard Kyrie Irving and his father Drederick arrive in China and are being mobbed by fans 🤯🇨🇳
They are there for the first shoe tour with ANTA.
(via @naraKumo_)pic.twitter.com/ZrV9Fm3ivD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 18, 2023
In view of his career, the eight-time All-Star averaged 23.6 points (47.4% FG, 39.3% 3PT), 4.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in 13 NBA seasons.
In 2016 Kyrie won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and including last year with the Mavericks, he has made four Finals appearances.
Kyrie will continue to enjoy his offseason, until training camp begins October 22.
Related: LeBron Misses Playing With Kyrie Irving: I'm So F****** Mad I'm Not His Running Mate Anymore'
