Kicks

The start of an NBA season brings up the same questions every year: Who will win it all? Who will be Rookie of the Year? Who will be MVP? For the team at B/R Kicks, our attention goes straight to the NBA tunnel. It's no secret that the hallway has become a runway in recent years. So we created a list of the 15 best-dressed players to keep an eye on in the 2020-21 season. This is Fit Watch 15. 

No. 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Our Fit King winner from last season. There’s not a color or print the young Thunder star won’t (or hasn’t) rocked, usually several at once. This could be a recipe for disaster, but not for Shai. The best part about our No. 1 pick is it’s obvious he loves fashion. When quarantine started and there was nowhere to go, Shai still made sure to flex for IG, live from his closet.

No. 2: Russell Westbrook

Arguably the name that put the NBA tunnel on the map. What can be said about Russ that hasn’t already been seen? The man has rocked a construction vest, oven mitts and a flannel robe arriving at games. But Westbrook will seamlessly show up the next night in a fitted suit that everyone loves. That’s the thing about our No. 2 pick—he does it all, and he really doesn’t care what you have to say about any of it.

No. 3: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Tsunami Papi’s style is not for everyone, and that’s why he’s ranked in our top three. No matter where he finds himself, from his first team in Washington to the Bay after recently being traded to the Warriors, Oubre is going to dress exactly how he feels. This attitude is why it’s no surprise you’ll find a lot of punk sensibilities in his outfits—think leather harnesses, chrome sunglasses or skulls on his diamond chains.

No. 4: Chris Paul

Where should we start with CP3? His sneaker game, commitment to color coordination or how he can make a hoodie look luxe? Our No. 4 pick has all these things and more, but most importantly, he brings a heightened level of awareness to the NBA tunnel. CP3 was one of the first in the league to consistently rock Pyer Moss, a label designed by Kerby Jean-Raymond, who uses his platform to create dialogue on race, inequality, Black empowerment and more. Paul also showed love to HBCU this past season, pulling up to games in school hoodies or showcasing them on his sneakers.

No. 5: Jordan Clarkson

Clarkson’s attention to detail lands him in our top five. Different colored glasses (Are they prescription? It doesn’t matter), the perfect cuff to show off the right amount of sock, the angle at which a beanie sits on his head…all these details count toward the final fit. They tell us Clarkson is studying the game and deciding what works for him, which is all that matters in the end. If you’re not dressing for yourself, what’s the point?

No. 6 D'Angelo Russell

No. 7 P.J. Tucker

No. 8 Dennis Schroder

No. 9 James Harden

No. 10 LeBron James

No. 11 Kevin Love

No. 12 Kyle Kuzma

No. 13 Jaylen Brown

No. 14 Tyler Herro

 

No. 15 Devin Booker

Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell is using sales from his exclusive D.O.N. Issue #2 x Louisville sneaker to help fund initiatives at his alma mater, Louisville.  

According to John Karman III of UL News, all proceeds from the shoe sales up to $200,000 will go to scholarships and other initiatives in a program deemed "A Shoe for Change."

The shoes will be for sale Thursday for $100 each.

We’re proud to announce every https://t.co/Vi1gzCNhpc sale of this D.O.N. Issue #2 X Louisville Colorway goes toward education efforts that support Black students in Louisville. This truly is a shoe for change! Thank you @spidadmitchell & @angel_35!❤️🖤

🔗https://t.co/bEJdlL9KkC pic.twitter.com/ZAWsDyeJ6P

— University of Louisville (@uofl) December 17, 2020

Mitchell is working with adidas and the university's Office of Diversity and Equity to determine which programs deserve additional funding.

The NBA All-Star discussed why this is an important program for him:

"With my mom being a teacher and based on the values she taught me from a young age, I have always understood the importance of education, which is why adidas and I worked with my alma mater, the University of Louisville, to ensure proceeds from the Louisville colorway of D.O.N. Issue #2 would fund scholarships to support Black students. I am passionate about giving back, so having the opportunity to support the Louisville community, a place that helped shape me, is really special and it’s great my friend and champion for equality, Angel McCoughtry, is supporting these efforts as well.'

Both the men's and women's basketball teams will wear Mitchell's shoes in their upcoming games, with Las Vegas Aces star and fellow Louisville alum Angel McCoughtry also supporting the efforts.

Stephen Curry announced the launch of the Curry Brand, his standalone brand with Under Armour, on Monday. His new shoe releases on December 11. 

Curry spoke to Bleacher Report Kicks about all that went into the launch, Michael Jordan comparisons, signing NBA players to the Curry Brand and more.

  

B/R: What inspired you to launch the Curry Brand?

Curry: Obviously I've been with Under Armour since 2013, in the signature game for the last six years. When it came to Curry Brand, it was an opportunity to bring the best sides of me, the best sides of Under Armour and do something that has an amazing impact on the community and things that are near and dear to my heart. We wanted to create some energy around that. We wanted to dream big, think big, take some chances. Felt like this was an amazing opportunity to do that.

   

B/R: What does "Change The Game For Good" mean to you?

Curry: It's about impact in terms of creating support and growing the game for the next generation. They need access to sports, they need to know people are thinking about them, the full ecosystem of support that's gonna create an experience for them that they'll be able to pass the torch down to the next generation.

B/R: The Curry Brand logo—how did that come about?

Curry: It stems from the S and C in my name and the uniqueness of my signature and the flowing curves. It's kinda fluid in that respect. It has the higher arc which stands for standing for a higher purpose outside of what you do and what your skill set is. Just blending all those attributes together. It's a fresh take. Hopefully, it'll be the symbol and marker for the purpose-driven mission we have for the community.

  

B/R: Bleacher Report Kicks interviewed Black leaders in the sneaker industry. How important is it for you to launch a Black-owned business or brand under your own name?

Curry: It feels awesome but there's a lot of work to be done. I feel like that's always been a mission of representation, of opportunity, and ownership at the top, and not just having a seat at the table. If I can control that or continue the conversation then that's important. Is it going to be perfect? No. But is there going to be progress? That's what you hope for.

Better time than ever to be in that position to pull some weight around and make some change.

   

B/R: What does Curry Brand mean for your relationship with Under Armour?

Curry: We learned a lot over these last seven years. Getting that alignment of where we're both trying to go together. That's the part I'm excited about. Curry Brand is gonna have its own unique DNA and we'll live out our mission every single day.

   

B/R: There was a time where you were a sneaker free agent. Let's say Nike doesn't use the wrong name during your PowerPoint presentation. Could Curry Brand even exist had you not gone your own route and signed with Under Armour?

Hope my laugh didn't give it away. Everything happens for a reason, man. I could go back to my basketball career. What if I didn't have those ankle injuries? Would I have learned or appreciated the game and done what it takes to get back? There are a lot of "what ifs" in my journey so I love the question and it makes me think of the inflection points that made this possible. Gotta stay in the moment.

   

B/R: Is Under Armour to Curry Brand as Nike is to Jordan Brand?

Curry: There are similarities. When it comes to the purpose behind what we're doing and how we show up, it'll be entirely different. All the comparisons and all that type of stuff, have at it.

   

B/R: What does success look like for Curry Brand?

Curry: Eventually, I'm gonna be out the way. Success will be measured by how many champions, how many ambassadors, people of like mind want to join the fray. And doing good in the world. To wave this flag with me through this whole journey.

It's definitely the plan [to sign other athletes to Curry Brand], not just in basketball but other sports too. There's some work being done on that front.

Air Jordan 4 X Union LA 'Off Noir' Restock Information

Date: Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. ET

Where: SNKRS/Nike.com

Raffles: 

• BODEGA 
• Extra Butter
• Kith

If you got handed a massive L for last month's Jordan 4 x Union LA drop, you're in luck. Nike's reupping the stock this week.

The "Off Noir" colorway will hit SNKRS and other outlets Friday morning for a restock, which is good news for anyone scared off by the resell prices. StockX's current lowest listing is $732, nearly triple the $250 retail price.

Here's a look at some pictures to refresh your memory about what to expect from this collab.

Union LA first worked with Nike on an AJ1 release in 2018, which remains one of the most sought-after shoes on the secondary market. 

While the sequel didn't draw the same rave reviews at first, the AJ4 collection has grown on most collectors as one of the more anticipated releases of the year. The fact that it's getting a restock so quickly may wind up depressing the secondary market a little bit, so it's more affordable for those who miss out.

In any case, there are a few raffles to hit up just in case you'd rather take your chances there than tossing your phone across the room after losing out on the SNKRS release.        

Kobe 5 Protro "5 Rings" Information

Release Date: Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. ET

Buy: SNKRS/Nike.com

Raffle Link: Bait Me

On the heels of the Los Angeles Lakers' 17th NBA title, Nike will release the latest Kobe 5 Protros that celebrate the late Hall of Famer's own championship glory.

The Kobe 5 Protro "5 Rings" colorway will release in the United States on Oct. 15, the latest in a long series of colorways to hit the market this year.

"This one is for Kobe's 5 championship rings. It was his devotion to the game and everything surrounding it that puts him among the all-time basketball greats, and that devotion extended to creating the best performance sneakers," Nike's website reads. "This 5 Rings colorway on the Kobe 5 Protro pays homage to the greatness of the Black Mamba dominating the competition late in the play-offs. With a low profile designed for split-second cuts and fade-away jumpers, a cutting-edge Zoom cushioning system and an outsole perfectly tuned for balance, the design of this sneaker is all about whatever it takes to win. Even if you have a hand in your face."

Here is a look at some photos of the colorway: 

The shoe has already been released in international markets, so it is already available on some resale marketplaces. With the shoe going for a little less than double its $180 sticker price, the odds are the release numbers are going to be limited, and you're going to have to be quick on SNKRs to not take an L.

This isn't quite going to be an Off-White/AJ1 situation, but the timing of the Lakers' title coinciding with the release may kick up the value a bit.  

Nike Off-White Rubber Dunk Release Information

Date: Thursday, Oct. 1

Time: 10 a.m. ET

Where: SNKRS App/Nike.com

Raffles: 

• END. (University Blue)
• Footshop
• Bait (Green Strike)
  
• Goodhood (University Blue)
  
• Bodega (Green Strike)

Thursday's upcoming release of the Off-White Rubber Dunks means many potential buyers will probably be taking a tablespoon full of Ls this week. 

Off-White's collabs with Nike have consistently flown off the SNKRS shelves in mere seconds, and Dunks have re-entered the spotlight as one of the most popular shoes on the market. The Rubbers will come in three colorways, Green Strike, University Gold and University Blue—all of which will be immediately headed to reseller markets at a steep markup.

"Highlighting the Air is part of the early logic of the collaboration. The shoe is about incorporating past ideas in a new era—designing with purpose and cultural relevance to come up with something new," designer Virgil Abloh said, per GQ's Zak Maoui.

Here is a look at the three colorways:

Some resellers have already gotten their hands on pairs, it appears, with sales going for around $500 at StockX.

In other words: Buyers will need to have some fast-twitch muscles and luck to score a pair and not pay the cost of a PS5.

The appeal of the kicks is pretty obvious, even without the Off-White branding. The University Blues, in particular, stand out among the cleanest Dunk releases this year.

The Nike Dunk series has had a major comeback this year, becoming perhaps the preeminent low in the sneaker world. 

Nike's looking to capitalize on that rise in popularity by bringing back the Highs. The first notable release comes this Friday—the Dunk High Spartan—and has a heavy Michigan State feel.

Dunk High Spartan Release Information

Date: Friday, Sept. 18

Time: 10 a.m. ET

The Hiroshi Fujiwara-designed Jordan 3s are headed to the SNKRS app—or, if you're anticipating a giant L from the app, a raffle near you—this week.

Nike will release its Jordan 3 x Fragment collaboration Thursday, which Fujiwara debuted earlier this year. Here is how the Nike website describes the black-and-white take on the classic silhouette:

"Along with two other footwear pieces and an apparel collection, this AJ3 rounds out the Fragment x Jordan collaboration by applying Fujiwara's attention to detail to one of the most beloved Jordan silhouettes. The black and white 'orca' color scheme plays on his earlier Nike work, while a fully spelled-out SKU on the midsole draws a connection between the art and business of streetwear. A stamped Fragment logo appears above the midsole and again underneath a translucent Jordan logo on the heel to make a tasteful, but subtle imprint."

Jordan 3 x Fragment Release Information

Date: Thursday, Sept. 17

Time: 10 a.m. ET

Where: SNKRS App/Nike.com

Raffles: 

A Ma Maniere

Social Status

Bodega

Titolo

Xhibition

Extra Butter

The Darkside Initiative

Bait

     

The famed Japanese designer first worked with Jordan Brand on an Air Jordan 1 collaboration in 2014, shoes that fetch anywhere from $2,500 to $5,500 on the secondary market. 

The Jordan 3 originally released in 1988 and has seen several notable retro releases, but the Fragment colorway will be on the shortlist of some of the most anticipated. 

In other words: You're going to need to be fast and very, very lucky to score a pair of their latest collab. 

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell announced Friday that he is donating the first $45,000 in proceeds from his new signature sneakers to support the education of Jacob Blake's children:

This one is different for me. For the first 45 hours of the #DONISSUE2 spidey-sense drop, I will be donating $45k of the proceeds to support the education of Jacob Blake’s children. Adidas will also match my donation for a total of $90k. #createdwithadidas @adidasHoops @Marvel pic.twitter.com/u3ooWmcVAi

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 28, 2020

Blake is a 29-year-old Black man who was shot by police Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A Blake family attorney said Blake is paralyzed from the waist down. 

Mitchell's Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 Spidey Sense sneakers dropped Friday, and Mitchell said the first $45,000 of the proceeds will be put into a college fund for Blake's kids. The Jazz star added that Adidas is matching the contribution as well, meaning a total of up to $90,000 will be donated toward the education of Blake's children.

The shooting of Blake has had a profound impact on the NBA, as players refused to take the court for the playoff games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The Milwaukee Bucks started the protests by deciding not to play their Wednesday matchup against the Orlando Magic.

After the players and the league had a meeting about what the NBA can do to enact social change, the players voted to continue the playoffs, although no games will be played Friday.

Athletes from MLB, the NHL, the WNBA, MLS and tennis also refused to play in protest of social injustice, systemic racism and police brutality, leading to games being postponed.

The Jazz own a 3-2 series lead over the Denver Nuggets in their first-round playoff series, and Mitchell's play is a big reason why.

The one-time All-Star is averaging a remarkable 37.6 points, 5.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds in five postseason games thus far.

Resentment. Ownership. Identity.

All emotions and ideals tennis great Andre Agassi experienced that made him who he is today. Agassi spoke to B/R Kicks about how taking ownership of his life during his playing days took the form of a style that evolved over the course of a career that saw him win eight Grand Slam titles.

"Tennis was never a choice for me," Agassi said. "It was always something I had to do. And then at some point, it became the only thing I could do. And I think there was a lot of resentment in that, but there were a lot of rewards in it, too. So there was a lot of contradiction and conflict and I felt like what I wore was something that I could kind of choose and take ownership of, and I chose to kind of go down that anti-establishment road, because of that resentment."

In 1990, Nike harnessed that spirit and created the Challenge Court collection, a line of sneakers and apparel built around the bold splashes of bright colors that marked Agassi on the court. The Challenge Court logo itself was inspired by an accidental ink blot, a disruptive symbol befitting Agassi as he challenged the status quo of tennis and pop culture.

Fast-forward 30 years, and Nike is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Challenge Court by reprising the core aspects of the catalog with Agassi's help. The 2020 Challenge Court collection releases August 24.

"Going through this process all over again has been a lot of fun, handpicking some of the stuff that we crafted together, a long time ago," Agassi said. "I suppose if you wait long enough in life, everything has come back again, even, you know, even a mullet maybe one day."

Agassi reflected on his relationship with Nike and how the two became partners in 1988.

"It's paying tribute to, you know, an unbelievable company meeting a young kid who didn't know any better, as it related to my own identity and we both were willing to search it out together. To explore it and communicate it." He described the intersection between Nike and himself as a "perfect storm."

Agassi explained he's just as much a part of the process as he was 30 years ago while admitting the collaboration's ability to stand the test of time surprised him. "It's pretty fun sitting on this side, looking back on it."

Did Agassi know the "Hot Lava" colorway of his Air Tech Challenge II signature shoe would become as iconic as it is today? "No, I didn't," Agassi said with a laugh. "I really didn't know."

Agassi is modest about his accomplishments and, even in hindsight, does not waver on the notion that with every decision and move he made on and off the court, he was true to himself.

"I don't know if I made any decisions that had a sustainable thought process to it, you know, back in the day," Agassi said. "But it was always kind of authentic. You know, I mean, same thing with me on a tennis court. It's like OK, maybe it was a good day, maybe it wasn't, but it was going to be a real day. That's for sure."

Of the many sneakers and colorways Agassi had with Nike, two remain special to him. "The black one that I wore at the U.S. Open in '94 with a black sock. There was something about that, that always, you know, always pulls me back.

"But the Hot Lava with the move of the shoe looked like it was going 100 miles an hour. I always responded to that and that kind of broke the mold. You know, it's like your children. They have their strengths and their weaknesses and you kind of love them the same."

Despite all his accolades, Agassi's greatest accomplishment is how he humanized the sport of tennis and normalized the way athletes express themselves today.

The 2020 Challenge Court collection celebrates that legacy.