Utah Jazz: Price no object when it comes to players’ sneaker collections

There was a time when Utah Jazz swingman Rodney Hood couldn't afford a pair of new name-brand sneakers to play in pickup games in his crime-ridden hometown of Meridian, Miss.

Those days are no more. Now, the former Duke standout can purchase as many sneakers as he desires without worrying about the cost. In his second season with the Jazz, Hood earns more than $1.4 million.

The 22-year-old's zeal for sneakers is common among athletes. And now that his career is starting to take off, he's started accumulating the kinds of sneakers he's coveted since childhood.

"I didn't really have a lot of sneakers growing up. I played in torn sneakers when I was younger," Hood said.

Hood, who stands 6-foot-8 in shoes, changes game sneakers every two weeks, and estimates he has around 50 pairs in his personal collection.

"The kicks have to match my outfit," said Hood, who said he is currently locked into a sneaker contract with Nike.

He noted that he likes "to rock Jordans," and wears Kevin Durant shoes off the court.

But his favorites, according to his Facebook page, are some teal and pink LeBrons — because they're so different.

First-round Jazz draft pick Trey Lyles prefers Jordans and Kobe 9s — now that he has a little extra money to buy some.

"When I was younger, I couldn't afford the Jordans or Nikes," Lyles said.

Lyles, who signed a 2-year contract worth $ 4.5 million last week, said that it has not "set in" on him that his lifelong dream to play in the NBA has materialized.

Now, weeks removed from classes at the University of Kentucky, "I have about 70 sneakers," Lyles said.

But Hood's and Lyles' sneaker collections pale in comparison to that of Jazz guard Alec Burks, who boasts a few hundred pairs that often retail for $150 and higher.

Before Burks became rich and famous — he signed a multiyear contract worth $42 million with the team last year — the former University of Colorado star worked part-time jobs to keep his sneaker collection up with the fashion trends.

"I didn't have the money to get sneakers when I was younger," Burks said.

Now, he estimates that he spends thousand of dollars on footwear. He doesn't have a budget when he goes sneaker shopping.

"I don't like jewelry. I just collect sneakers," he said.

And he's willing to share: "I give many of my sneakers away to my family because we wear the same size," he said.

So, what's the next step for pro-basketball sneaker junkies who can buy any shoes they want?

"Hopefully, one day, I'll be able to get my own sneaker," Hood said.

smorris@sltrib.com

Twitter: @ShaheedMo