Kristian Ferrell
Puma basketball shoes have been worn by NBA players since the 1970s, with Walt Clyde Frazier signing on as a brand ambassador in 1973 and becoming the godfather of Puma. Other notable players to wear Puma include George McGinnis, Ralph Sampson, Terry Cummings, Cedric Ceballos, and LaMelo Ball. In recent years, Puma has made a comeback in the NBA, signing five of the first 16 picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, including the top two picks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NBA players who have had major deals with Puma | Marvin Bagley III, Ralph Sampson, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, LaMelo Ball, Scoot Henderson, Jackie Young, Dennis Schroeder, George McGinnis, Terry Cummings, Manute Bol, Cedric Ceballos |
| Puma's most decorated player | Walt "Clyde" Frazier |
| Puma's highest NBA profile on their roster | Ralph Sampson |
| Player with the biggest Puma deal | LaMelo Ball |
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What You'll Learn
Walt Clyde Frazier, the godfather of Puma
Walt "Clyde" Frazier is a basketball legend, fashion icon, and Hall of Famer. He is one of the greatest points guards in NBA history, having led his team, the New York Knicks, to two NBA Championship titles in 1970 and 1973. Over his career, he played 825 NBA games, scored 15,581 career points, and was named NBA All-Star seven times.
Frazier is also known for his unique sense of style, both on and off the court. His nickname, "Clyde," is derived from the crime duo "Bonnie and Clyde," made famous by their bank robberies. Frazier's sneaky gameplay and ability to make fast steals earned him this moniker. In 1967, Frazier purchased a wide-brim fedora hat from the Italian brand Borsalino, which was mocked by his teammates. However, when the movie 'Bonnie and Clyde' was released two weeks later, the hat became synonymous with Frazier's style and persona.
Frazier's fashion sense extended to his footwear, and he was the first sports star to serve as a brand ambassador for Puma. He worked with Puma designers to create the "Clyde," a classic sneaker released in 1973 that is still popular today. The shoe was unique at the time for being made of suede, making it not only performance-driven but also fashionable. The "Clyde" shoe has had a significant impact on basketball culture and fashion, with Frazier himself becoming an icon for his style, swag, and persona.
Frazier's impact on the brand is evident in Puma's "For All Time" campaign, which celebrates the brand's legacy and features Frazier as one of its ambassadors. Even after four decades, Frazier continues to work with Puma, attracting new audiences and inspiring the next generation of Puma athletes, such as Kyle Kuzma and LaMelo Ball.
Walt "Clyde" Frazier's enduring partnership with Puma, spanning 40 years, has solidified his status as a basketball legend and a fashion icon. His influence on the court and in the fashion world has earned him the title of the "Godfather of Puma."
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Marvin Bagley III of the Sacramento Kings
Marvin Bagley III is a professional basketball player who was selected second overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. Bagley made his professional debut with the Sacramento Kings on October 17, 2018, scoring 6 points and 5 rebounds in just 12 minutes in a 123-117 loss to the Utah Jazz. Bagley attended high school at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California, where he was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit and No. 1 power forward in the 2017 class. He received his first college basketball scholarship offer at age 14 from Northern Arizona University and later reclassified into the Class of 2017, announcing on August 14, 2017, that he would be eligible to play college basketball for Duke University during the 2017-18 season.
Bagley's family has a strong athletic background. His father, Marvin Jr., played college football at North Carolina A&T and professionally with the Arizona Rattlers, where he met Bagley's mother, Tracy Caldwell. Bagley's grandfather, Joe Caldwell, was a former Olympic and professional basketball player who was the number two overall pick in the 1964 NBA draft. Bagley's younger brother, Marcus, played basketball at Arizona State University, and his other brother, Martray, does not appear to be involved in sports competitively.
Bagley's career with the Sacramento Kings was marked by a mix of impressive performances and injuries. On November 24, 2018, he recorded a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds in a loss to the Golden State Warriors. However, during their second match against the Warriors on December 14, he suffered a left knee sprain that sidelined him for 11 games. Bagley returned to form and, on March 19, 2019, scored a career-high 28 points in a close loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, the 2019-20 season was challenging for Bagley due to injuries, including a right thumb fracture and a right foot injury.
In the 2021-22 season, Bagley was informed that he would not be part of the Kings' rotation due to disagreements over a contract extension. He was subsequently traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of a four-team trade on February 10, 2022. Bagley made his Pistons debut four days later, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in a loss to the Washington Wizards. As of 2025, Bagley is listed as a power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies.
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LaMelo Ball, the NBA's No. 3 overall pick in 2020
LaMelo Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Ball is a 6-foot-7-inch point guard known for his passing skills, ball-handling, and scoring ability. He was considered one of the top prospects in the draft due to his raw talent and upside as a scorer, despite some areas for improvement, particularly on defense.
Prior to the NBA, Ball had an unconventional path to the league. He played for two different high schools in the US, Chino Hills and Spire Academy, and also spent time with foreign teams BC Prienai in Lithuania and the Illawarra Hawks in Australia. During his time with the Illawarra Hawks, Ball averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 12 games, earning him the NBL Rookie of the Year award.
Ball's success in the NBL solidified his projection as a top 3 pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He was highly sought after by the Hornets, who needed a star player, and his talent was too great for them to pass up. Owner Michael Jordan reportedly gave his approval for the selection, despite the already strong guard position on the team.
In addition to his basketball skills, LaMelo Ball has a signature shoe collection with Puma, called the LaFrancé Collection. The collection blends on-court and off-court fashion, with a luxurious twist. Ball's impact extends beyond the basketball court, as he inspires B-Ball crowds with his signature shoe collection and personal style.
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Scoot Henderson, the youngest Puma athlete
Scoot Henderson, the rookie for the Portland Trail Blazers, is the youngest Puma athlete to receive a signature shoe before entering the NBA. He is also one of the youngest professional basketball players in the United States. Henderson signed a two-year deal with the NBA G League Ignite as a high school junior, becoming the youngest player in G League history.
In 2022, Puma signed the then 18-year-old Henderson to an annual seven-figure, multi-year endorsement contract, which is believed to be the richest deal ever for a non-draft-eligible basketball player. The deal saw Henderson join the ranks of Puma athletes such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Allen Iverson.
Henderson's signature shoe, the Puma Scoot Zeros, launched on December 15, 2023, for $100 in adult sizes, with kids' and infants' sizes also available. The performance basketball shoes debuted in the 'Georgia Peach' colourway, honouring Henderson's heritage and family. The design of the shoe was influenced by Henderson's favourite number, zero, which he has used since middle school, as well as his sister, China Henderson.
Henderson's personal mantra, "O.D.D: Overly Determined to Dominate", is reflected in his signature shoe, which features Puma technology such as Profoam EVA. The debut colourway of the All-Pro NITRO™ celebrated Henderson's hard work with a neon colour scheme inspired by the neon vibes of a 24-hour diner.
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Ralph Sampson, who signed with Puma in 1983
Puma has been a popular shoe brand among NBA players, with the likes of LaMelo Ball, Scoot Henderson, and Jackie Young endorsing the brand. One of the earliest NBA stars to be associated with Puma was Ralph Sampson, who signed with the brand in 1983.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall by the ninth grade, Sampson was already a basketball star. He went on to become a three-time College Player of the Year and was the first selection in the 1983 NBA draft, picked by the Houston Rockets. In his rookie year, he played in the National Basketball Association's (NBA) All-Star Game and was crowned the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1984. He played in four NBA All-Star Games and was named the All-Star Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1985.
Sampson's association with Puma began due to a unique challenge he faced. He wore a size US17 shoe, which was difficult to find, and his previous footwear sponsor abruptly discontinued their basketball line. Puma stepped in and created a prototype that catered to Sampson's large shoe size, becoming the first brand to do so. The Puma sneakers designed exclusively for Sampson prioritized performance and comfort, featuring a mid-height construction for ankle support and a lightweight design to enhance his speed and agility.
Puma released a collection under Sampson's name, starting a trend of signature shoe collections for NBA stars. The brand offered seven different models in a single season, showcasing their ability to adapt to the diverse needs of basketball players. Sampson's partnership with Puma contributed to his iconic status in the NBA, and he went on to play for notable teams such as the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings.
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Frequently asked questions
Some NBA players that wear Puma basketball shoes include Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Ralph Sampson, Marvin Bagley III, LaMelo Ball, and Cedric Ceballos.
The first NBA player to wear Puma basketball shoes was Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who signed with Puma in 1973.
Some popular styles of Puma basketball shoes include the Clyde All-Pro, RS-Dreamer, MB.01, and TRC Blaze.
No, Puma basketball shoes are also worn by WNBA players like Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.
NBA players may choose to wear Puma basketball shoes due to the brand's style, performance, and personal expression both on and off the court.
