Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum now has a signature shoe called CJ 1 with Li-Ning. This marks the first signature shoe released by the popular shoe company from China since Dwyane Wade's line in 2018.

McCollum debuted his CJ 1 on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans (via B/R Kicks).

Prior to joining Li Ning in 2017, McCollum had a four-year deal with Nike. McCollum said his decision to join Li Ning after signing a lucrative contract is based on his need to expand his horizons. In an interview with Bleacher Report in 2017, he also acknowledged that Li Ning's market size is a whole lot bigger than other shoe brands.

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“I was looking for a unique opportunity to go where I was wanted. Similar to college with different universities, there needs to be a mutual admiration. You want to go somewhere where you're wanted and where you can be utilized and have input in the brand. I felt like I was going to have those things and influence into my shoes. With the market four or five times the United States, it could be crucial in my development as a player, person and brand.”

Aside from McCollum, other active NBA players who wear Li Ning are Terrence Ross, Udonis Haslem, Tyler Johnson, and Glenn Robinson III.

Wade, for his part, joined Li Ning in 2012, signing a lifetime deal. It was tagged as an unusual move during that time since Li Ning wasn't a very popular brand back then. But fast forward to now, with CJ McCollum leading the brand, it could compete with the biggest names out there.