NBA players with shoe endorsements is nothing new. But NBA players starting their own shoe line is a new trend and New York Knicks forward Al Harrington is the latest to launch a brand. Harrington chatted with BET.com about his new shoe line, Protége and shares his thoughts on who had the more impressive performance in Madison Square Garden in February between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

How did you come up with the concept of Protégé?

What inspired me to make Protégé was I always wanted to have a shoe. Throughout my career, I was dealing with the shoe companies that I was with but I finally got to a point where I was able to make one. I wanted to make one that was affordable because I remember growing up and how tough it was to afford $100-$200 pair of shoes. I wanted to make a shoe that had creditability and that kids would feel comfortable wearing. I was able to accomplish that with Protégé, making it $34.99. It’s on NBA players and celebrities so that gives me creditability.

What other NBA players are currently wearing the shoes?

Right now, it’s me, Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest. Stephen Jackson is like a brother to me so, as soon as I mentioned to him what it was about, he was on board. Ron Artest was the same way. He has always been a good friend of mine since high school. They could both relate to it, growing up and not having a lot.

Growing up, what kind of sneaker guy were you? Nike, Reebok, etc?

I was with whatever I could get at the time. Obviously Nike’s were always the favorite. I went through a phase where Patrick Ewing shoes were really hot. I pretty much got whatever I could that was cool at the time.

Do you have a favorite sneaker of all-time?

It has to be the Protégé.

What’s the feedback been from the kids and parents?

It’s been great. I haven’t run into one person who hasn’t liked it. I have a lot of friends here in New York City that have tried them out and say they are very comfortable. A lot of kids at the Garden have the shoes on and I also read the blogs as well and really haven’t received any bad complaints about it. The first thing the parents say is “Thank you.”

What was the adjustment like going from Golden State to the New York Knicks?

It wasn’t that much of an adjustment. The biggest adjustment was just being comfortable in my own skin and getting back to playing my game. I don’t have to worry about someone screaming and fussing and all that type of stuff.

Is the screaming and fussing in reference to Golden State head coach Don Nelson?

Yeah. [Laughs]

How do you feel the Knicks chances are going into the stretch run?

We feel like if we can find a way to get to 40 wins I think we will get in. If we get somewhere in that range, we will be fighting. We just have to focus on winning as many games as possible.

Kobe or LeBron: Who had the more impressive performance at MSG in January?

I would give it to LeBron because not only did he have 52 points but also he had 12 assists and nine rebounds. So, I would give it to him.

TAGS: Al Harrington, NBA, New York Knicks

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