Derrick Jones Jr.’s Slam Dunk win on Saturday night has landed him a sneaker endorsement with sportswear brand Puma.
The 6ft 6in Miami Heat forward emerged victorious on the night after a hard-fought and somewhat controversial dunk-off against Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic. And he’s got himself something possibly secretly coveted among all NBA players who don’t have one: a shoe deal.
“In the aftermath of his narrowly claimed slam dunk contest win, Jones signed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Puma,” a report from ESPN reads.
“It was an honor to rep PUMA while winning the brand’s first ever dunk contest,” he wrote on Instagram. “Excited to officially join the #pumafam. New wave.”
This must be especially great for Derrick as he’s one of the biggest sneakerheads in the league.
“Hands down, I would say I’ve got the best shoe collection on the team,” he told The Athletic in an interview back in 2018. “I don’t think it’s close. I don’t think anybody can catch up, either. … I’m trying to have the best shoes in the league.”
The player wore white and pink Puma Clyde Hardwoods to the contest, matching them up with Miami’s aesthetic teal and pink “Vice Nights” jersey. He was offered a deal by the brand shortly after winning the trophy.
“As a kid, I told my father I was going to win one, and I got it,” he revealed. “So I’m going to go get another one next year.”
