Paul George is bound for Asia this week for a multi-stop trip. The two-time NBA All-Star is traveling with Nike, the sports apparel company, to “inspire kids through basketball,” I’m told.
George believes he is the only athlete on this trip. Previously, he has traveled with other Nike basketball athletes, including LeBron James. Back in 2012, George completed his between-the-legs 360-degree dunk in front of the four-time MVP. James and Kobe Bryant are scheduled to make their own trips next month.
George’s itinerary calls for stops in Beijing, Manila, and one other city in China. With George jetting around the world, he obviously will not attend the ESPYs on Wednesday.
Before departing, George took part in a photoshoot with a handful of other Nike-endorsed athletes, including Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots (as pictured below).
At Nike Basketball Academy, which was held in Los Angeles June 26-29, George was pictured wearing the new Hyperdunk low-tops. This is the style of Nike shoe he plans to wear this upcoming season. While George does not yet have his own signature shoe, but says “it’s in the works.”
Visit VigilantSports.com later this week for a trip update and photos.