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J. Cole is letting fans own a piece of his creative process—and one of his favorite sneakers designs, too.
The rapper from North Carolina is releasing the third pair of shoes in his Dreamer collaboration with Puma: the RS-Dreamer Proto. The design was never meant to make it to market, but fans will have their chance to purchase them later this week.
Here's all the important details:
Per Puma:
"This original prototype silhouette design was inspired by J. Cole's vision and PUMA's technology, leading to the release of the RS-Dreamer and initiating the birth of the franchise. With that, PUMA couldn't keep this unique colorway a secret any longer and are releasing the prototype that started it all—with the chance that it may never return."
The first pair in the series was released last July as the NBA restart commenced, with J. Cole hoping to produce a pair of shoes that could be worn both on the court as well as casually.
With the newest pair, sneaker fans get a glimpse that the design process and a chance to wear a pair not expected to see the light of day.
LaMelo Ball, one of the top prospects in the 2020 NBA draft class, announced Wednesday he's signed an endorsement contract with Puma Basketball.
ESPN's Nick DePaula reported it's a multiyear deal.
"Puma's been making waves since their comeback to basketball, not just on the court but for the culture," Ball told Mike DeStefano of Complex. "They're doing big things and are the new wave of hoops."
The 19-year-old point guard becomes the first Ball brother to sign an endorsement deal outside of the family's Big Baller Brand and joins a growing Puma Basketball roster that also includes rising stars such as the Phoenix Suns' Deandre Ayton, Denver Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. and New York Knicks' RJ Barrett.
"Puma was a good fit because they tie basketball, music and fashion so well together and will allow me to really bring my creative vision to life," Ball told DeStefano. "I don't want to give too much away, but big things are coming. It's been fun working with the Puma Hoops design team and I'll just leave it at that."
The California native has taken a non-traditional route to the NBA. He's spent time playing professionally in Lithuania with BC Prienai and in Australia with the Illawarra Hawks in recent years.
He showcased his potential across 13 appearances with the Hawks, averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.6 steals before suffering a foot injury that led him to leave Australia in January to begin 2020 draft preparations.
The top of the draft class is far from settled in part because the coronavirus pandemic has so far limited predraft workouts. While his destination is unknown, Ball still has a chance to go first overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves and should land somewhere in the top five.
His brother, Lonzo Ball, was selected with the No. 2 pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. He's currently a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.
"I've just been working out and getting ready for the next step in my career," LaMelo told Complex. "I'll be excited to play for any city. It's been my dream my whole life to play in the NBA, and I'm just excited it's getting close."
The draft is scheduled to take place Nov. 18 after being delayed from June because of the pandemic, which didn't allow the league to crown its champion until Sunday when the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat to close out the 2020 NBA Finals.
The NBA and Puma have joined forces after reaching a multiyear marketing partnership agreement.
Both companies announced their business venture in a press release Wednesday.
"We are thrilled to partner with the NBA to bring Puma to the next level in our re-entry to the basketball market," said Adam Petrick, Global Director of Brand and Marketing at Puma. "This partnership is a testament to the continued resurgence of PUMA within the basketball industry."
Dan Rossomondo, NBA senior vice president of media and business Development, said:
"Puma played an important part in the early footwear culture of the NBA. As Puma expands its presence in the basketball market with new player relationships and a new line of basketball sneakers, becoming an official footwear partner of the league was a natural next step to help amplify the brand's return to the category."
The agreement comes as the apparel giant is slowly gaining a marketing hold with some of the league's most prominent young players.
Rookies Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Zhaire Smith and Michael Porter Jr. signed separate deals with Puma last summer. Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier debuted the brand's first signature shoe in 20 years—the Clyde Court Disrupt—in October.
Golden State Warriors star DeMarcus Cousins followed by signing with Puma in October.
Puma is still in the developing stages of its rebirth as an NBA brand after nearly two full decades out of commission. The brand is making a fierce comeback by signing some of the league's current and future stars.
This new partnership with the NBA will only help Puma re-establish itself as a major player in the world of basketball marketing.
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