2024 NBA Finals Preview: Sneaker Edition
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By Stadium Goods |2024 NBA Finals Preview: Sneaker Edition
A look at the signature sneakers of the stars of the 2024 NBA Finals.
Matt DeSciora
This year’s NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics promises to be an exciting matchup between two of the NBA’s top teams. But seeing the likes of Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving compete for a championship isn’t the only compelling reason to tune into the series.
From a sneaker perspective, the Finals will provide an opportunity to see top-flight performance hoops shoes in action, like Doncic’s Jordan Luka 1 and 2, Tatum’s Jordan Tatum 1, and Irving’s new Anta Kai 1.
These styles, plus a few more we’ll be talking about below, have been generating excitement in sneaker culture, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on what colorways appear in the series if you’re a reseller looking to grow your business or a collector looking for something new to wear on the court this summer.
Here’s a look at some of the headlining sneakers in this year’s Finals, and what makes each model particularly noteworthy.
Jordan Luka 1
Debut: September 2022
Debuted in September 2022, the Jordan Luka 1 is the first signature shoe of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. The model features eye-catching Flywire cables on either side for support and a Formula 23 foam midsole for top-flight comfort. In terms of colorways, the “Space Hunter” and “Neo Turquoise” are favorites of collectors—and Luka, of course.
Jordan Tatum 1
Debut: April 2023
After several Player Exclusive colorways with Jordan Brand, including a fan favorite Air Jordan 1 Low, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum received his first signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 1, in 2023. The model has quickly gained popularity thanks to its stylish design and comfort. So far, the Jordan Tatum 1 has been released in a wide range of colorways, including the bold “Pink Lemonade” and the Air Jordan 12-inspired “Old School.”
It’s worth mentioning that Tatum’s newest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 2, debuted this spring. We expect to see the Tatum 2 regularly on the summer hoop circuit and on Tatum’s feet come next season.
Anta Kai 1
Debut: March 2024
Of the group of Doncic, Tatum, and Irving, it’s Irving who has had the most influence on sneaker culture. Prior to signing with Chinese footwear brand Anta in 2023, Irving had a signature shoe deal with Nike Basketball from December 2014 through November 2022. The Nike Kyrie line was so successful that at one point, it was considered the best and most popular athlete shoe line in the world. Releases such as the Nike Kyrie 5 “SpongeBob SquarePants” collection drew rave reviews from collectors and young hoopers alike.
Today, Irving is carving out a new lane with Anta with the Anta Kai 1. The model combines Irving’s style with optimal performance features, and its design is said to represent parts of his journey.