NBA Kicks Roundup: The Top Sneakers to Open the Season: Part 2
You didn't think we would leave you hanging with just part one of the NBA's best on-court kicks, did you? Our look at the top sneakers on the court returns with a fresh slate of games and a whole bunch of perennial athletes.
The basketball gods gave us 10 additional contests to choose from, and because of that, there wasn't a drought in footwear. We saw the debut of James Harden's signature shoe, Andrew Wiggins' special Crazy Explosive "Player Exclusive" and Norman Powell's custom Kobe 11s, among many others.
Like we did in part one, it's time to flip through this slideshow and see who wore it best.
James Harden: Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Pioneer'
1 of 8When Adidas inked James Harden in 2015 there were powerful expectations. The 13-year deal he signed was supposed to net him $200 million. Adidas felt immediate pressure to release a signature shoe capable of carrying the brand.
Adidas finally released the Harden Vol. 1 on October 23, allowing us to bear witness to the first rendition of Harden's signature shoe. On October 26, Harden wore the "Pioneer" version against the Los Angeles Lakers.
This is a big deal for Adidas. The money they invested in Harden makes him the face of the company. With the Harden Vol. 1, he turned expectations into reality using a premium design to blur the lines between sportswear and casual.
Harden lit up Los Angeles to the tune of 34 points and 17 assists, despite the Houston Rockets taking a loss. Maybe the Harden Vol. 1 kicks will drag him back into the MVP conversation this season.
Mike Conley: Air Jordan XXXI 'Battle Grey'
2 of 8Mike Conley took a stylistic risk by wearing the "Battle Grey" Air Jordan XXXI against the Minnesota Timberwolves. We think he pulled it off.
The "dipped in silver" look represents the difficulties NBA players face at the start of a new season, per Nike News. It's a daring choice, but somehow, it fits Conley's game.
This is the first official in-season Jordan Brand sneaker Conley's ever worn after signing an endorsement deal with the company earlier in October, as reported by Brandon Richard of Sole Collector. By the looks of it, the "Battle Grey" XXXI was definitely the right choice.
Norman Powell: Kobe 11 'Player Exclusive'
3 of 8Two nights of compelling NBA action have brought us a distinct array of Kobe 11s to gawk over. Perhaps the best to date was from Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell.
Powell took to the court wearing this customized pair of Kobe 11s. The heel featured a red maple leaf logo, honoring Canada. Besides being super comfortable and sleek, the maple leaf was a gorgeous touch to an already terrific shoe.
Are we about to see Powell step up and take over the Raptors in a kicks capacity? Guess we're about to find out.
Andrew Wiggins: Crazy Explosive 'Player Exclusive'
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Kristaps Porzingis unveiled a "Player Exclusive" pair of the Adidas Crazy Explosives against the Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night. His fellow Adidas stablemate, Andrew Wiggins, continued the trend using a Minnesota Timberwolves version of the shoe against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Wiggins is entering a pivotal year. He's attempting to build on last season's 20.7 points per game and help the T-Wolves grow into a Western Conference contender all in the same breath.
He also has a chance to earn his own signature shoe, assuming his totals keep rising.
The Crazy Explosives could be remembered as the shoe Wiggins wore during his rise to stardom. Look for AW to stunt in these mesh foot dwellers for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.
Russell Westbrook: Air Jordan 30.5 'Player Exclusive'
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Russell Westbrook has become Oklahoma City's lone ranger. He's a divine force within the organization now that Kevin Durant is in Northern California.
During OKC's season opener, Westbrook put on, racking up 32 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in a winning effort. Westbrook also happens to be Jordan Brand's marquee athlete. And as the face that runs the place, he's able to prod around in any shoe he likes. For the beginning of the season, he chose the super-limited Air Jordan 30.5.
This sneaker was drafted as a hybrid between the Air Jordan XXXI and the XXX, using the best elements from both shoes. It's a Frankenstein-like concoction of goodness.
Only Westbrook would rock the 30.5. He never ceases to amaze when it comes to stylistic sneaker choices.
Paul George: Nike Hyperdunk 2016 'Battle Grey'
6 of 8Our final look at Nike's "Battle Grey" line comes by way of Paul George. His specialized Nike Hyperdunk 2016 low was broken out in a high-scoring, overtime thriller against the Dallas Mavericks.
George totaled 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, as his team conquered the Mavs by a final score of 130-121. PG13 did it all in the shoes he has turned into his own.
The Nike Hyperdunk is a sneaker he's continuously worn on the court. With the "Battle Grey" colorway, it looks like George will continue to rock the Hyperdunk low for the remainder of the Pacers' 2016-17 campaign.
Anthony Davis: Nike Air Max Audacity 2016 'Player Exclusive'
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Those who forgot about Anthony Davis were treated to a performance for the ages. Davis went ballistic, dropping 50 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, seven steals and four blocks.
It was a showing of utter dominance, and the kicks he wore should benefit from it.
Davis doesn't have his own signature shoe—few big men do these days. As a Nike athlete, the Brow was given a chance to wear the Air Max Audacity. In two years, he's turned the shoe into his own.
This sneaker has always been about cushioning. A 180-degree Air Max bag surrounds the sneaker, providing plush elements of support, which reduce the impact of a player's lateral movement.
It's nothing to write home about on the technology front, but it clearly works for Davis. And if he can hang 50 points on the Denver Nuggets—even in a losing effort—the Nike Air Max Audacity clearly does its job.
DeMar DeRozan: Kobe 11 'Pale Horse'
8 of 8Ending our initial look at the best sneakers worn on an NBA court brings us to Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan turned the opposing Detroit Pistons into a helpless bunch, dropping 40 points in opening night action.
His offensive ability was enhanced by the "Pale Horse" Kobe 11s. Channeling his inner-Black Mamba, DeRozan turned into a prolific scoring machine and helped the Raptors get off to a 1-0 start.
This fresh run of Kobe 11s has been amazing for the sneaker community. It proves that even with Bryant gone, his shoe will continue to thrive. Hopefully Nike takes notice and gives the world a Kobe 12 later this year.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
