Nike Unveils “Art of a Champion” Basketball Collection

Nike finally reveals fifteen of its sixteen “Art of a Champion” sneakers that will be released in the coming weeks and months. The “Champions Think 16” collection includes iconic Nike, Converse, and Air Jordan silhouettes.

The history was way back in 2012. Entering the playoffs, LeBron James, a player of the Miami Heat, wore a white mouth guard with an inscription: ‘XVI’. According to James, the number 16 means a lot to him and every player in the NBA; that’s because every player needs 16 wins in the playoffs to win an NBA Championship.

On Monday, Nike, Air Jordan, and Converse honored the upcoming 2018 playoffs of the NBA. Also, the 16-sneaker collection celebrate excellence in the NBA and WNBA. It also honors some of the league’s greatest players of different generations, from Bill Russel, Dr. J, and Kevin McHale to LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kobe Bryant, and Maya Moore.

Before the gallery was unveiled, ESPN’s Cari Champion hosted a panel discussion with retired NBA players Ray Allen,  Rasheed Wallace, and Julius Erving. The iconic players shared their unforgettable memories of the NBA playoffs when they were still playing, and the shoes they wore, which are included in the collection.

The collection is currently exhibited at Nike’s New York Headquarters in Manhattan.

History of the Collection

“Champions Think 16” collection photos from Nike Senior Director Heidi Burgett via Twitter

From left to right, top to bottom:

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Final Seconds” was inspired from Kobe Bryant's 2006 Game 4 performance against the Suns by sending the game into overtime with his crucial lay-up and nailing the game-winning shot in the overtime period. To be released on April 14.

The Converse Fastbreak Hi “No Easy Buckets” references Kevin McHale's incredible play in the 1984 NBA Finals by finishing a dunk on the fast break and committing a dangerous foul to Lakers that caused a heated brawl between the two teams that became a storied rivalry of East versus West, “When the championship is on the line, there will be no easy buckets,” he said. The shoe will be released on May 17.

The Nike Air Maestro II “Trifecta” celebrates Scottie Pippen's Finals' triple-double performance in Game 2 of the NBA 1993 Finals and being the 12th player in history to do triple double. Release on May 10.

Rasheed Wallace’s domination of the Lakers in the 1991 Finals inspired the Nike Air Force 1 High Retro “Rude Awakening", which will be launched on April 26.

The Converse Chuck 70 Ox “30 and 40” is based from Bill Russell's performance from thrilling Game 7 of the 1962 Finals by scoring 30 points and having 40 rebounds that helped the Celtics get their 4th straight title. To be released May 3.

The Jordan XI Low “Rook to Queen” is a tribute to Maya Moore's legacy in the WNBA. Release on May 24.

The Jordan I “Pass the Torch” honors Kawhi Leonard's NBA Finals MVP award in the 2014 Finals against the Miami Heat that signified a passing of the torch and his future as a next-generation icon of the Spurs franchise. To be launched on April 28.

Wes Unseld's veteran leadership during the 1978 Finals inspired the Converse Star Player Ox “Intangibles", which will be released on May 17.

From left to right, top to bottom:

Moses Malone's 'clairvoyance' in 1983 Finals was the impetus behind the Nike Air Force 1 Low Retro “Fo’ Fi’ Fo.’” He predicting that Philly would win the championship, sweeping each series “‘fo’,’fo’, ‘fo’”. Winning at 4-0, 4-1, and 4-0 respectively, they secured the championship and updated his prediction to “fo, fi, fo”. Release on May 19.

The Nike Zoom KD IV “Battle Tested” pays respect to a pivotal moment in Kevin Durant's quest for an NBA title after sweeping the defending champions Mavericks, and beating Kobe-lead Lakers, which gave Thunders an NBA Finals ticket. Release on June 7.

James' 2007 Finals performance is celebrated by the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 1 “25 Straight.” He contributed 29 points of his team’s final 30 points. The 2OT win gave them finals ticket and James’ first finals appearance. Release on May 31.

Julius Erving's acrobatics gave the Converse Pro Leather Mid "The Scoop" its name. Launch on April 19.

The Air Jordan’s “Last Shot XIV” is inspired from Jordan's performance in the 1998 Finals by doing the now infamous 20-foot jumper. His 6th NBA title and 6th Finals MVP before retiring became synonymous with the shoe name “last shot.” Drops on June 14.

The Jordan XXVIII “Locked and Loaded” pays tribute to Ray Allen's clutch shot on 2013 finals that tied the series and gave Miami Heat a back-to-back title.  Release on May 12.

The 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 which will be released in June.

The 16th sneaker will be based on this year's NBA champion. The playoffs will start on April 14.

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