Houston Rockets starting center and resident NBA ‘Sneaker King’ P.J. Tucker plans to open a sneaker store in Houston later this year.
Much like the rest of the NBA, Tucker is currently in a holding pattern amid the league’s coronavirus-induced shutdown. He made the announcement Saturday in an Instagram Live Q&A with Nice Kicks.
Best known for his defense and leadership, the 34-year-old has averaged 7.1 points (37.0% on 3-pointers) and 6.9 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game during his third season in Houston. But in addition to his defense and corner 3-point shooting, Tucker is also renowned for his shoes.
“From the beginning of time, all I’ve ever done is hoop, and this culture of sneakers has always been a part of it,” Tucker said. “It’s hand-in-hand.”
The Rockets recently agreed to fully guarantee Tucker’s contract for next season, and that appears to be giving him a greater sense of ownership with regards to the franchise and the city.
“The shoe culture in Houston is cool,” Tucker said on Instagram. “There’s a lot of sneakerheads and a lot of people that love shoes here. A lot more than I thought … I just think there should be more activity.”
As for sneakers, Tucker signed a new deal with Nike last fall. What makes his endorsement unique is the diversity of Tucker’s collection and the extensive online following that it has generated for him. Based on that, Nike has allowed Tucker access to their complete vault of sneakers — as opposed to one specific shoe or line, as is the case with most players.
“I’ve never wanted my own [signature] shoe,” Tucker said Saturday. “Even when I was a free agent and trying to sign with companies, when they were trying to sell me to get my own shoe, I was like, ‘I don’t want to do that.’ I’ve never wanted to be locked in on one shoe.”
Tucker said he anticipates the new store to open in October.
“We’re looking to do the grand opening in October,” the nine-year NBA veteran said of the new store. “We’ve got a lot of dope collabs coming. We’re going to have some fun with it, and I’m excited about that.”
