If you were in the NBA, how would you feel going against another player while wearing one of HIS signature sneakers? Is that a perpetual pinch to one’s pride? Orlando Magic’s guard/forward Mikael Pietrus cannot bring himself to do it.

Throughout the 2008-09 NBA postseason, our Kicks On Court has spotted Pietrus hooping in the Nike Hyperdunk, a sneaker that was heavily promoted by Kobe Bryant before he switched to the Nike Zoom Kobe IV. However, according to ESPN, Pietrus has stated that he will be switching to Jordan sneakers for the 2009 NBA Finals.

“I have [Kobe sneakers] at my house, but I’m going to play with Michael Jordan shoes,” Pietrus said.

I would do the same if I was Pietrus. I don't care how good the other player is there is no way I'm bringing myself down to wear his shoe when I'm supposed to be the one guarding him in the Finals. You can't give Kobe anymore competitive edge than he already has.