NBA B/R Kicks of the Week: Best on Court for NBA Week 7
December happens to be a critical time for the NBA and sneakers. It's usually a transitional month where final versions of last year's signature models are scattered all over the place while we sit and wait for next year's line to launch.
This week's list of the best on-court kicks reflects that notion of thinking, focusing on "Player Exclusive" models and unique general releases.
The plan remains the same. Mash the start button below and find out which kicks—and NBA athletes—earned a spot on our weekly list.
Klay Thompson: Anta KT2 'Whitehawk'
1 of 5Who: Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson
Sneaker Worn: Anta KT2 "Whitehawk"
You might not be aware of it, but Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has his own signature sneaker. Rather than stick with Nike or leave for Team Adidas, Thompson opted to sign a contract with the longtime Chinese-based brand Anta in 2014 for $2 million annually, per Nick DePaula of Nice Kicks and The Vertical.
The deal was drawn up and executed before Thompson became a household name. Now it's paying dividends, as he's morphed into an All-Star and a vibrant part of the Warriors' potent offensive attack.
Thompson was rocking the Anta KT2 "Whitehawk" when he liberated 60 points onto the Indiana Pacers. The shoe automatically gained a token of prestige thanks to the performance, helping Anta expand its reach.
Kevin Durant: KD 9 'The Sauce'
2 of 5
Who: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant
Sneaker Worn: Nike KD 9 "The Sauce"
It's always fascinating to see NBA players rock shoes that directly conflict with their team's uniforms. Kevin Durant joined in on the fun when he swapped out the usual Golden State Warriors colorway of his KD 9 in favor of a burgundy "The Sauce" version against the Indiana Pacers.
The color pattern reflects that of the Cleveland Cavaliers more than the Warriors. But it's totally acceptable. This is a dope sneaker, and it gives the KD 9 a ton of extra clout in terms of diversity.
Durant has been a steady force on our weekly list mainly because of the KD 9. His use of "The Sauce" variant continues that trend.
Eric Gordon: Adidas Crazy Explosive 'Player Exclusive'
3 of 5Who: Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon
Sneaker Worn: Adidas Crazy Explosive "Player Exclusive"
Let that uneasy feeling of jealously settle in for a second. "Player Exclusive" models tend to do that. Anyway, Eric Gordon took our feelings and mashed them into tiny, useless pieces when he blessed the court wearing a pair of Adidas Crazy Explosive "PEs."
The Crazy Explosive radiates with all of the performance bells and whistles needed in a basketball shoe. It weighs almost nothing and locks down the foot, and the high-top trim protects the ankles in terms of slipping and sudden movements.
We can only hope Gordon's "Player Exclusive" blend—crafted after the Rockets uniforms—comes through as a general release. This has been the best colorway we've seen so far of the Crazy Explosive.
LeBron James: Nike LeBron Soldier 10 'Player Exclusive'
4 of 5
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
Sneaker Worn: Nike LeBron Soldier 10 "Player Exclusive"
Before the LeBron 14 heads our way early next year, King James has decided to give us a plethora of "Player Exclusive" versions of the Nike LeBron Soldier 10.
For all intents and purposes, James remains the NBA's top sneaker ambassador. Nike has given him the keys to the kingdom, and he hasn't let off the gas, unveiling new "PE" and general release models on what feels like a nightly basis.
As we wind down the days of the LeBron Soldier 10—the shoe he wore during last season's NBA Finals—we were blessed with a unique "Player Exclusive" model against the Toronto Raptors. A starry night feel dosed over a traditional navy blue color surface gave way for King James to shine December 5.
This is the kind of stuff we want to see from Nike's relationship with James. More "PE" releases being dropped into the marketplace and James himself wearing more diverse cuts.
Damian Lillard: D Lillard 2 'Shark Black'
5 of 5
Who: Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard
Sneaker Worn: D Lillard 2 "Shark Black"
James Harden is grabbing all of the headlines these days wth his Vol. 1 silhouette, but let's not just straight-up forget about Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
Lillard is currently playing in his second signature offering with Adidas—titled the D Lillard 2—and he's never looked better. The "Shark Black" D Lillard 2 was broken out once again against the Chicago Bulls on December 5.
The sneaker came out way back in September and still holds weight as a visceral contender. Lillard scored 30 points and dished out seven assists against the Bulls in these kicks. Clearly, they're working for him.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.
