Panini Authentic Sits Down for First Signing with Cavaliers Rookie Star Kyrie Irving

All this talk about Jeremy Lin (which we absolutely love, by the way) has served to swipe some of the spotlight away from another young player enjoying a spectacular season in his own right: Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving.

Panini America signed Irving — a player Dime Magazine recently called Cleveland’s “New King” — to an exclusive agreement in late June. And earlier this week, Panini Authentic point man Brian Bayne traveled to Cleveland to conduct the company’s first signing with the NBA’s leading rookie scorer (18.2 ppg).

To be sure, Bayne made the most of his time with Irving, securing the standout’s distinctive signature on several new items that will be available for sale on the Panini Authentic Website in the coming days. Bayne also brought the ultimate Irving souvenir back to Panini America HQ — a pair of signed and game-worn sneakers that Irving wore for several games in early January.

And before you ask, yes, those shoes will be available on the site, too. So check Panini Authentic often and enjoy the following glimpses of Irving’s first Panini America signing. Trust us, there will be more.