NBA B/R Kicks of the Week: Best on Court for NBA Week 19
We're back for another edition of Bleacher Report's kicks of the week, our weekly look at all of the on-court heat worn by various NBA players.
This week's edition brings us a "Player Exclusive" Adidas model that is starting to make waves, an Under Armour Curry 3, the return of P.J. Tucker and more.
Buckle up and get ready, because it's showtime.
Brandon Ingram: Adidas Crazy Explosive Low 'Player Exclusive'
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Who: Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram
Sneaker Worn: Adidas Crazy Explosive Low "Player Exclusive"
Brandon Ingram's first season with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a learning experience. In 61 games played, he's averaged 8.2 points, two assists and four rebounds per contest.
As Ingram attempts to blossom into a key component for the Lakers, he's also been cultivating a relationship with Adidas' sneaker division. Suiting up on the final night of February 2017, Ingram announced his intentions with a "Player Exclusive" Lakers' version of the Adidas Crazy Explosive Low.
Of all Adidas' recent excursions into hoops, the Crazy Explosive has come off without a conceivable hitch.
DeMar DeRozan: Kobe 11 "Mamba Day"
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Who: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan
Sneaker Worn: Kobe 11 "Mamba Day"
In case you missed the memo, let us spell it out: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan is the ultimate Kobe Bryant sneaker champion. His love for Bryant's kicks can be traced back to his roots growing up in the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
DeRozan has taken the Kobe mantle to new heights this season, constantly pivoting between retro and current Black Mamba kicks. Against the New York Knicks on February 27, he continued to trend in that direction rocking the Kobe 11 "Mamba Day."
Known for its textile, multi-looped color pattern, these kicks have become a perfect nod to Bryant's heritage. And it's fitting that DeRozan would sport them.
Stephen Curry: Under Armour Curry 3 'Player Exclusive'
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Who: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry
Sneaker Worn: Under Armour Curry 3 "Player Exclusive"
Stephen Curry has been noticeably absent from our weekly sneaker lists. It's not because the Under Armour Curry 3 is a bad sneaker. It's quite the opposite. Comfortable and form-fitting, these kicks perform well on the court.
The issue has been the lack of promotional success—sales for the Curry 3 have been stagnant, per Nathan Bomey of USA Today. Sure sales don't always equate to on-court brilliance, but it's bound to be tough for Steph given his overall popularity among fans.
A lack of dynamic colorways and media attention has limited his line's exposure, plus his teammate Kevin Durant's line has been superb. In any event, this "Player Exclusive" Curry 3 was clean and gave the Warriors guard a chance to get his kicks some recognition.
Notice the matte black upper and icy sole. It creates a simplistic and commanding sneaker by all standards of footwear design.
P.J. Tucker: Air Jordan III 'Doernbecher'
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Who: Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker
Sneaker Worn: Air Jordan III "Doernbecher"
Newly-anointed Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker leaves Phoenix with quite the on-foot resume. Tucker has spent the better part of four seasons making Instagram feeds go crazy over his distinct sneaker collection.
Now with the Raptors—the team he originally suited up for in 2006—Tucker joins the ranks of DeMar DeRozan, creating quite the duo.
Tucker officially arrived with the Air Jordan III "Doernbecher" strapped to his feet. The shoes use a red and black color pattern combined with a creative polka-dot design. Like most "Doernbecher" sneakers, the Air Jordan III has become a statement piece.
It's going to be fun to check out what Tucker has in store for all of us. With DeRozan sharing the court with him, he's going to have to step his game up.
Lebron James: Nike Lebron 14 'University Red'
5 of 5Who: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
Sneaker Worn: Nike LeBron 14 "University Red"
The Nike LeBron 14, simply put, is beautiful. There's no cutting around the edges when it comes to aesthetics. The sneaker works.
Against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 27, James kept the ball rolling by stunting in the Nike LeBron 14 "University Red." As the name lends itself to, the sneaker relies on red. A concrete red upper, enhanced by details, was fused with a black Swoosh emblem on the foot strap and a white, speckled sole.
For as simple as the terminology "University Red" may seem, these kicks visually go above and beyond.
All production information and release dates via Nike News and Adidas News unless noted otherwise.
