Zion Williamson Teases Upcoming 'Naruto' x Jordan Brand Collaboration

Fans cannot wait to witness Zion Williamson‘s high-flying dunks and electrifying performances on the basketball court again, and while he remains sidelined due to injury, the young hoops phenom is putting forth efforts into building up his signature sneaker catalog. Rumors of the Jordan Zion 2 have already started to circulate, but before he gets to that unveiling, the athletic forward has brought light to an upcoming Naruto x Jordan Brand collaboration.

Williamson took to social media to announce the upcoming partnership and has confirmed in the caption that it will entail a team-up atop his Jordan Zion 1. It’s likely that apparel pieces will accompany this release, but that has yet to be revealed. In his social post, Naruto Uzumaki is displayed doing a between-the-legs basketball move, and this sits adjacent to the traditional Jumpman logo.

More information regarding photos, release dates and pricing should start to pop up in the coming weeks.

While Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans star player has yet to step foot on the court during the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Jordan Brand has already looked into expanding the player’s signature shoe line.

The Jordan Zion 2 follows the first iteration and has surfaced in a crips white colorway, highlighted by a psychedelic, multicolored design that wraps around the tongue, ankle and heel areas. The shoe takes inspiration from the ’90s silhouette, which can be seen reiterated in the Zoom Aire forefoot straps. Williamson’s signature logo and initials are carved into the toe of the outsole as well as seen on the tongue.

There is no set release date currently announced for the Jordan Zion 2 but it is slated to release later this year. The news comes just in time after videos of Williamson practicing in the gym have surfaced. Check out the official images above and stay tuned on Nike (NYSE:NKE -0.80%) for more information.

SPORTS: MA®KET Launches a Dennis Rodman Collection

MA®KET, formerly known as Chinatown Market, has teamed up with Chicago Bullsicon Dennis Rodman for a special collaborative capsule of apparel and home goods.

The collection displays an array of outlandish doodles, leopard prints, and motifs representative of Rodman’s flamboyant style and fearlessly provocative personality. Standouts from the collection include Doodle Head Pillows featuring Rodman with colorful smiley-face afros,  a black graphic tee displaying Rodman in a bridal gown remembering the time the Bulls star married himself, and mesh trucker hats incorporating a custom Rodman text logo, ear motifs, and dice graphics.

Other pieces include pink leopard print hoodies and shorts,  photoshoot tees, poster sets, jerseys, bucket hats, sweatpants, woven blankets, and Champion basketball shorts with labels that read “It takes a little Rodman to make it MA®KET.”

The limited-edition Dennis Rodman collection will launch on January 28 at MA®KET’s website. Prices range from $45 to $110 USD.According to reports, Lionsgate will be releasing a film about Dennis Rodman‘s infamous trip to Las Vegas during the 1998 NBA Finals.

The interesting development in the Chicago Bulls Dream Team run slipped back into present pop culture thanks to its mention in The Last Dance documentary miniseries co-produced by ESPN Films and Netflix. Set to be produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller with Rodman serving as executive producer, the “48 Hours in Vegas” is expected to see the basketball star and an assistant GM go on an adventure that leads to an unlikely friendship. Lionsgate reportedly was immediately interested in the screenplay written by Jordan VanDina and actively pursued the right to the film.

“There’s only one Dennis Rodman. In 1998, there was nobody on Earth who’d be more fun – or maybe more dangerous – to party with. And yet that’s not even half of who he is,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President Nathan Kahane. “This movie takes you on an unforgettable ride with the myth, the legend, and also the man that Dennis is, behind everything you think you know.” Adding, “Dennis, whose amazing career and life will make for an off-the-wall hilarious yet completely human and emotional movie. You think you know anything about ‘The Worm?’ Just you wait!”

While producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller said, “Dennis refused to follow the herd. That is what made him a target and it’s also what made him a star. His weekend in Las Vegas is full of fun and high jinks but it is also full of important questions about the way public figures, and workers are treated, especially when their individuality is expressed so vividly.”

EXPLORE THE PARISIAN BASKETBALL SCENE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ZALANDO STREET

Zalando is celebrating streetwear and tapping the next generation of cultural talent to explore new styles and attitudes emerging across the world. Adopting an inclusive tone that will evoke a strong communal edge, you can expect to read in-depth interviews, see style-affirming content and visual offerings all led by upcoming names in the worlds of fashion, music and more.

Jean Jacques N’djoli’s Instagram account is a literal moodboard of impeccable dressing. To mark the debut issue of Zalando’s Streets new zine, N’djoli was tapped to lead the cover but he’s using the opportunity to speak out about more than fashion.

Photographed alongside members of Paris’ iconic Pigalle community, N’djoli is showcasing his passion for basketball and getting together with fellow players to speak up about the importance of safe spaces for sports across the globe.

“I fell in love with basketball when my big brother introduced me to it,” he explains “I started playing in the streets with my boys. We’d hang out by the courts and there was this energy. We were all just having fun. I would use one word for it..freedom.”

The issue features basketball-inspired styling tips, stories from the Pigalle basketball courts and the best on offer from Zalando. Be sure to follow @zalando_street to stay updated or visit the website for more information.

FRESH KICKS: Trae Young Describes His First Signature Collection With adidas as a Love Letter to Atlanta

After months of anticipation, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young is set to debut his first signature shoe with adidas (XETRA:ADS.DE +0.00%) — the Trae Young 1. “Trae embodies the mentality of limitless potential,” said adidas Basketball general manager Eric Wise in a statement, adding that Young continues to “prove critics wrong and create new space for himself and the game.”

The superstar worked closely with the Three Stripes on various aspects of the collection — placing special emphasis on the city of Atlanta and his childhood roots. The first two sneakers are in conjunction with the popular slushie beverage company ICEE — a drink that Young remembers grabbing when he’d finish basketball practice as a kid. It also serves as a tongue-in-cheek nod to his nickname “Ice Trae.” The other two pay tribute to Jermaine Dupri‘s SO SO DEF records and the Peachtree streets that run parallel throughout the heart of the city.

All the sneakers in Young’s lineup come loaded with the Three Stripes’ laceless N3XT L3V3L silhouette and feature a half-bootie construction for extra support. The BOOST cushioning in the heel, LIGHTSTRIKE midsole and laceless forefoot also provide superior comfort, while still being sturdy and responsive. The collaboration with adidas also includes apparel offerings, like a quarter zip pullover, pants and shorts. The Trae Young 1 apparel line, “ICEE” and “ICEE Cotton Candy’s” will launch via adidas on October 1. The “SO SO DEF” and “SO SO DEF ATL’s” will release on November 5, along with the “Peachtree shoes” hitting the market on November 19.

HYPEBEAST chatted with Young ahead of the release to discuss his love for Atlanta and the symbolism present throughout his adidas collection.

HYPEBEAST: Every young hooper dreams of having their own signature shoe. Which ones did you rock growing up?

Trae: Just as a kid, I remember the Kobe’s and playing in the D.Rose’s, the first ones. Man, those were probably a couple of my favorite as a kid.

Kobe also had that ice-cold nature of going into any city and taking over in the fourth quarter. How does it feel to follow in his footsteps?

T: As far as being a signature shoe guy, it’s an honor. Hopefully, my shoes and the impact that I have with my shoes are as big as what Kobe’s were. I’m not near what he was or anything, but hopefully, I get to a level where my shoes have the same type of impact that he had on the next generation.

Can you talk about the symbolism embedded in the shoes?

T: Yeah, a lot of my shoes all have a different types of ties to Atlanta. I think it’s only right to have it this way, especially as it is my first shoe — playing out here and them showing me so much love. Having a collab with JD (Jermaine Dupri) was an honor.

What is the significance of Atlanta to you — from the culture to the fans?

T: I mean the city means a lot to me. I try to represent it the best way I can. I know that every time I step out of my house, I’m representing Atlanta in some way. I just got to continue to make the city proud.

How was the process of working with adidas?

T: Making a shoe is a long process. You got to be quiet for a long time, but really a fun process too. You get to bring your ideas to life and they make it happen. Just like that.

The shoes offer a nod to ICEE — What were your go-to flavors growing up?

T: Cotton candy and Coca-Cola.

Sneakers are so ingrained within the culture of the NBA, where the choice of shoe can tell so much about someone’s style and personality. How would you categorize your own style?

T: I’m a plain guy, a guy that’s not going to be too loud, especially with style but it’s going to be clean.

What have been your favorite NBA moments so far?

T: I had a lot of favorite moments, especially this last playoff run. But nobody in the world can say they gave Vince Carter his last shot, so I think that will always be something I’ll be able to hold close to me. He played with so many people, he played so many years in the league. That’s probably one of my favorite moments.

Favorite piece in the apparel line?

T: Not one in particular, but I like the whole jumpsuit and fit. From the pants to the shorts. I like the cut-off hoodie.

When it comes to creating a basketball shoe, what do you think are the most important elements? 

T: For me, it comes down to comfort, some shoes when you play, you really can’t cut and run. I’m a fast player, so I like to run fast. If my shoes aren’t comfortable, it’s really going to be hard for me to play. It really comes down to the bottom, that it’s comfortable when I step and walk.

KICKS: Pharrell and adidas Originals Salute Basketball with New Collection

Pharrell and adidas Originals have tapped everything from the Chinese New Year to traditional East African weaving patterns for design inspiration, but now the two are looking to sport with a new basketball-themed collection. Consisting of seven footwear styles accompanied by matching apparel, the latest from Skateboard P and adidas‘s lifestyle division uses bright colors, bold prints, elegant materials and special branding in equal measures.

Accompanying apparel uses a vivid all-over print that combines a tie-dye ethos with thumbprint graphics. There’s a T-shirt, hoodie and shorts, all of which are dressed in yellows and oranges, accented with various shades of blue.

Uniting lifestyle and performance, the Pharrell x adidas Originals basketball-inspired collection is available now on the adidas webstore. Prices range from $80-$200 USD.

NBA: LeBron James Agrees to Sign With the Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James’ next NBA chapter will be set on the West Coast.

James will be playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $153.3 million contract. He will try to bring the storied franchise another championship.

The announcement was made through his agency, Klutch Sports Group, which announced the deal as $154 million.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the fourth year is a player option. It’s the longest deal James has signed since inking a six-year contract with the Miami Heat in 2010. His previous three deals were three years or shorter.

James leaves his hometown team as a free agent for the second time in his career. Four years ago, James had stated his intention to finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether the four-time MVP and 14-time All-Star does that or not, he certainly has left his mark on his city.

James thanked his home area in an Instagram story. He wrote in text overlaying a photo from the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title victory parade, “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible 4 seasons. This will always be home.”

He delivered the first championship to the sports-obsessed city in 52 years and did so with storybook gusto, helping the Cavaliers become the first team in NBA Finals history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit to win it all. The team he took down, the Golden State Warriors, had the best regular-season record in league history, at 73-9.

Source: ESPN