Kevin Garnett, the Boston Celtics and adidas announced today the launch of a rare version of Garnett's 2008-09 adidas Team Signature Commander shoe. This footwear release was designed to commemorate the Celtics' historic run at an NBA Championship. adidas will produce only eight pairs per game of this exciting shoe to be sold at retail, starting at 10:00am on June 5, 2008 (as few as 28 pairs or as many as 56 pairs will be available depending on the number of games The Finals goes to). One special pair of shoes autographed by KG will be auctioned off on NBA.com after The Finals. All profits from the sale of these shoes will go to NBA Cares community partners in the Boston area.

The adidas Team Signature KG Commander is scheduled to launch in October 2008, but for this year's NBA Finals, Kevin Garnett will wear a special version that will be highlighted by the inclusion of the coveted Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy on the medial side, and an embroidered callout to games 1 thru 7 on the lateral side. The number of that night's game will be in green while the others remain white. The numbers 1 thru 7 also get larger as each game grows in significance.

"All season long it has been about we and not me, so as we head into the NBA Finals I wanted to do something special for the Boston community. That is why we came up with this limited edition adidas Team Signature KG Commander," stated Garnett. "Since day one, the fans of Boston have made me feel like family, so to do this and be able to give back to them is a great honor."

"KG redefines what passion means on the basketball court but this energy also spills over to include every off-court initiative that he is involved with as well," stated Lawrence Norman, VP Global Basketball for adidas. "His switch never turns off - KG is 100% authentic and his drive to make a difference in the community is real and ongoing. This was the perfect concept for a guy like KG and adidas to get involved with as we both enjoy finding fun, creative ways to give back to the local community."

"KG has shown throughout his career that he is a consummate team player, whose passion for the game, his teammates and his community is unmatched," stated Rich Gotham, President, Boston Celtics. "KG embodies all of the characteristics that all true Celtic greats have and this is one of many ways that Kevin gives back to the city of Boston and its fans."

The limited edition adidas Team Signature Commander will only be available at Celtics.com, the TD Banknorth Garden Pro Shop and NBA Store in New York City. Each pair of adidas Team Signature KG Commanders will retail for $1017 (to commemorate the drive for championship #17).

Source: adidas

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