By JT – 14 year old hooper
As a 14-year-old basketball player who grew up watching highlight reels of Kobe Bryant’s fadeaway jumper, I’ve witnessed something remarkable on courts across America: NBA players specifically choosing to wear Kobe’s shoes, paying for them with their own money rather than accepting other sponsored footwear. Stars like Devin Booker, Ja Morant, and DeMar DeRozan have made the Kobe line their go-to choice, speaking to the authentic connection between these shoes and the game itself.
But I fear we’re at a crossroads with Kobe’s legacy. Nike, please listen to a young hooper’s perspective before you follow the path taken with Air Jordans.
The Jordan Brand’s transformation serves as a cautionary tale. What began as basketball’s most iconic shoe line has evolved into primarily a fashion brand, straying from its court-focused roots. Visit any mall in America, and you’ll see Jordans paired with jeans and hoodies rather than basketball shorts and ankle braces. In 2023, Jordan Brand released over 100 different sneaker models. The legendary Air Jordan 1 alone saw more than 30 variations hit the market. While collaborations with artists like Travis Scott still generate excitement, the overwhelming volume of releases and focus on lifestyle wear has pushed many serious basketball players to seek authenticity elsewhere.
This is where Kobe’s line stands apart. The scarcity of Kobe releases since his tragic passing has preserved their meaning. When you spot someone in Kobes – whether they’re the legendary “Grinch” Kobe 6s that light up NBA Christmas games, the philosophical “Bruce Lee” editions that honor Kobe’s martial arts mindset, or the tactical “Camo” 5s – you know you’re looking at a real hooper. These aren’t fashion statements; they’re tools of the trade. Even recent releases like the “X-Ray” colorway, while aesthetically pleasing, tread dangerously close to prioritizing style over substance. The true magic of Kobes is that they represent more than fashion – they embody his dedication to the craft of basketball.
The numbers tell the story. According to sports memorabilia marketplace StockX, Kobe sneakers saw a 30-fold increase in resale value after his passing, not because of artificial scarcity, but because players genuinely desired to carry forward his legacy. Professional players have even stockpiled pairs, fearing they might lose access to their preferred game shoes.
Nike, you stand at a crucial decision point. Will you maintain the Kobe line’s special status in basketball culture, or will you follow the Jordan model of mass production? As a young player who represents the future of basketball, I urge you to consider what makes the Kobe line special: its authentic connection to the game and the players who honor his memory by wearing his shoes on court.
The Kobe line doesn’t need endless colorways or fashion collaborations. What it needs is to remain true to what Kobe Bryant stood for – the pursuit of basketball excellence. Let other lines chase trends and fashion. Keep Kobe’s shoes focused on performance and legacy.
To Nike’s decision-makers: Consider this a warning from the courts. You might win the short-term battle by flooding malls with fashion-focused Kobes, but you’ll lose the war for basketball’s soul. We young players are watching, and we’re already turning away from what Jordan Brand has become. The moment we see Kobe’s line go down that same path, you’ll lose an entire generation of hoopers who’ll find their authenticity elsewhere.
You can’t fake basketball culture – we live it daily. We see the difference between shoes made for Instagram and shoes made for the hardwood. Right now, Kobes are our badge of authenticity. The moment that changes, when Kobes become more about fashion drops than basketball, you’ll break a trust that can’t be rebuilt with any amount of marketing dollars.
Remember this: True hoopers are the heartbeat of sneaker culture. We’re the ones who give basketball shoes their credibility. Without us, you’re just another fashion brand. And if you sacrifice Kobe’s legacy for quick profits, that’s exactly what you’ll become.
Let Kobe’s shoes remain what they are: pure tools for the game, chosen by players for players. That’s not just a legacy worth protecting – it’s the only way to keep your soul in the game.
