Nike collection celebrates memorable NBA playoff performances
Nike has created a retro-inspired collection of 16 sneakers inspired by iconic moments in NBA playoff history.
The "Art of a Champion Collection" consists of 15 Nike, Converse, and Jordan Brand silhouettes that will be released over the next three months, beginning with the Nike Kobe 1 Protro "Final Seconds" on April 14. The final shoe will be themed around this year's NBA champions, according to Heidi Burgett, Nike's senior director of global communications.
Art of a Champion Collection: To commemorate the 16 playoff wins it takes to claim the title, Nike’s dropping 16 iconic basketball shoes: pic.twitter.com/vJsXLU47Om
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
See the first 15 shoes below.
The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Final Seconds” honors Bryant's 2006 Game 4 performance. It drops April 14. pic.twitter.com/nTSVK8sj8i
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Julius Erving's acrobatics gave the Converse Pro Leather Mid "The Scoop"its name, and it launches April 19. pic.twitter.com/SEKMRiC16k
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Rasheed Wallace’s domination of the Lakers inspired the Nike Air Force 1 High Retro “Rude Awakening," which launches April 26. pic.twitter.com/GHDshMew5O
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
The Jordan I “Pass the Torch,” releasing April 28, honors Kawhi Leonard's unassuming rise to NBA Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/bJuBk43qgX
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Converse Chuck 70 Ox “30 and 40” recalls Bill Russell's stat line from Game 7 of the '62 Finals. This ode to Russell releases May 3. pic.twitter.com/ns6fK9lf35
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
The Nike Air Maestro II “Trifecta” celebrates Scottie Pippen's Finals' triple-double in '93. Look for it May 10. pic.twitter.com/Nbp3hfr3eL
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
The Jordan XX8 “Locked and Loaded,” releasing May 12, pays tribute to Ray Allen's legacy of knockout shooting. pic.twitter.com/JYWUsKDhUB
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Converse Fastbreak Hi “No Easy Buckets” references Kevin McHale's play in '84. The shoe releases May 17. pic.twitter.com/QZbhK0cjdR
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Wes Unseld's vetern leadership during the '78 Finals inspired the Converse Star Player Ox “Intangibles" that releases May 17. pic.twitter.com/pziaiY9Pnp
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Moses Malone's retroactive clarvoyance in '83 was the impetus behind the Nike Air Force 1 Low Retro “Fo’ Fi’ Fo.’” It releases May 19. pic.twitter.com/AaJCNulDn8
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
In a colorway paying tribute to Maya Moore's swift acendence in the pro ranks, the Jordan XI Low “Rook to Queen” drops on May 24. pic.twitter.com/oy4mScBFo4
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
James' eye-popping performance from the '07 Playoffs is celebrated by the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 1 “25 Straight.” The shoe releases May 31. pic.twitter.com/NbxAokCBWj
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Releasing June 7, the Nike Zoom KD IV “Battle Tested” pays respect to a pivotal moment in Kevin Durant's quest for an NBA title. pic.twitter.com/NbiJ0JVnDV
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
The Last Shot XIV drops June 14. pic.twitter.com/SqG7NdKtVp
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018
Nike Air Force 270 "Gold Standard" is a colorway of the all-new silhouette w/ the same glimmer as the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Drops in June. pic.twitter.com/pVLcZCP0KG
— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) April 9, 2018