Ja Morant Unveils "Ja 1" Signature Shoes from Nike
For the first time in Grizzlies history, the team played on Christmas Day, and All-Star point guard Ja Morant debuted "Ja 1," his first signature shoe with Nike.
"Just being able to have a signature shoe with Nike, not many guys have been able to achieve that," Morant said. "It's definitely a big milestone for me and something that I'll never forget."
According to ESPN, Morant debuted the first pair of his signature Nike sneakers-a brilliant blue hue with gold, pink, lime green, and red accents-during the Grizzlies' game against the Golden State Warriors.
He hinted at the release on Christmas Eve by sharing a photo of a gift from his daughter Kaari wrapped in a pattern made from his new distinctive emblem. On the inside of each shoe is a stamp with his daughter's name.
Morant will reveal the Nike "Ja 1" early despite the shoe not being slated to hit retail until later in 2023, as the typical time frame for designing and developing a signature shoe is 18-24 months.
Release dates for several hues are set for the spring and summer of 2023. You may anticipate spending around $110 on a pair of these kicks.
The Story Behind Ja Morant Nike Shoes
Ja Morant is the newest player to be added to Nike's basketball roster since Paul George's debut in 2017.
Sneaker News noted that after signing with the Swoosh in 2019, the addition of the growing superstar seemed inevitable, and the shoe has been in development for nearly two years.
Although Kyrie Irving's departure from the brand has been well-reported, Morant's hiring fills a surprising void.
The "Ja 1" was created with an "underdog" philosophy.
James Kane, an assistant coach at Murray State, stumbled upon him accidentally, as he was not a highly sought prospect.
Morant was taken second overall in the 2019 draft due to his commitment to the sport.
He has established himself as a legitimate perennial MVP candidate in his fourth season.
Morant's shoe will show his path in the NBA up to this point.
On his left arm, he has the words tattooed "beneath no one," which is part of the way Morant wants people to think and work when they wear the "Ja 1."
He would do 800 box jumps on a tractor tire daily while imagining himself in the NBA. The shoe is meant to reflect that way of thinking.
Ja Morant is the first person Nike Basketball calls a "Gen-Z athlete."
This is important because the brand's current signature stars are getting older than young stars like Zion Williamson, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, and more.
Ja Morant Nike Shoes
Morant's debut sneaker shares design cues with the Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant shoes he often wears for games, per Commercial Appeal.
The "Ja 1" also features a low-top design, but its functional purposes are comparable to those of a Morant sneaker. He needed a sneak to help him accomplish various acrobatic moves on the basketball court, such as cuts, jumps, dunking, and crossovers.
"It's constructed to keep players in control, maximize hang time, and reduce landing force through lockdown benefits," Nike said.
Morant's initial signature emblem, the "Ja 1," reflects his dynamic precision and dogged determination on the court. For Morant, the ability to triumph over adversity is represented by a stylized "JA" perched atop a chevron.
READ MORE: Nike Officially Parts Ways With Kyrie Irving Amid Brooklyn Nets Star's Antisemitism Scandal
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Ja Morant unveils signature shoe with his daughter's help ï¸ - From ESPN