Sneaker Storylines for the 2023-2024 NBA Season
The 2023-2024 NBA season is officially underway, as the Denver Nuggets look to defend their title. The dramatic storylines for this upcoming season are as juicy as ever. Can the Nuggets repeat? Who's coming out of the East? Are the Phoenix Suns deep enough to win it all? Will the OKC Thunder make some noise during the playoffs?
As #nbatwitter will handle all that, we're looking ahead to this season from Sneaker Freaker's perspective, outlining the sneaker storylines that will dominate the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Kyrie Irving Signs with ANTA
After parting ways with last year, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was a free agent, leaving sneakerheads and Kyrie fans speculating on where he would sign.
During the offseason, Kyrie has announced he's signed with . It's still unsure if he'll get a signature sneaker with the brand, but he'll be wearing the Shock Wave 5 this season. And with Kyrie debuting a signature logo with ANTA, we can expect a signature sneaker down the line.
Is the Wemby Hype Real?
There's typically a lot of hype when it comes to being the #1 overall pick, but the anticipation for Victor Wembanyama is on another level. Only equalled by LeBron James entering the league in 2003, the French native has dropped jaws with his combined length, athleticism, and guard-like ability.
Already a part of Nike campaigns, Wemby is expected to wear the Nike GT Hustle 2, which is the successor to the Nike GT Run. Only time will tell if Wemby lives up to the hype, and if he does, expect big things from the San Antonio Spur and the Swoosh.
Scoot Henderson Gets a Signature Sneaker with PUMA
Although Wemby is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Portland Trailblazers guard Scoot Henderson is looking to disrupt that, just like he's done his whole basketball career. Forgoing college to play for G League Ignite, the third-overall pick inked a 7-figure deal with back in 2022.
As PUMA continues to make strides and gain market share in the competitive performance basketball market, the Big Cat are betting big on Scoot as he's rumoured to debut his own signature sneaker in the PUMA Scoot Zero. PUMA have been shooting 100%, giving Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart signature sneakers, and only time will tell if they go three for three.
What Will Converse Do With SGA?
All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder are expected to take a big leap this year, as the young squad are starting to grow up before our eyes. As SGA is a tunnel fit Hall of Famer and a game that kids are mimicking on the playground, it seems like is missing out on a huge opportunity to grow their performance basketball brand.
SGA has gotten a few PEs from the Chevron with a couple of colabs off the court, but they could be doing so much more. Hopefully, SGA gets the flowers he deserves or else you'll be seeing SGA rocking another brand in the near future.
The Return of Nike Kobe PEs
As the estate and Nike have agreed to extend their partnership after a stalemate, more colourways of Nike Kobe Protros should hit the hardwood this season.
While guys like DeMar Derozan have Kobe PEs that will get him through his career and them some, expect a fair amount of Nike athletes to be getting in on the action. The Nike Kobe Protro line will dominate the league this year, whether they're inline releases or Player Exclusives.
The Ant-Man is Throwing Shots
Anthony Edwards is expected to make a big jump this year, and the Three Stripes think so too, as they gave Ant-Man his first signature sneaker, the adidas AE 1.
A player who's never too shy to talk about his game, he feels the same way about his sneakers, as Ant threw shade at all the signature sneakers from opposing brands. Luka Doncic, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, and even going after the King himself, LeBron James. Ant is expected to ball out and lead the Timberwolves to a playoff run this season. Let's see him do it in the AE 1.
Skechers Gets into Performance Basketball?
This isn't a clickbait title, it's true. Skechers are in the performance basketball game. Signing New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and LA Clippers guard Terrance Mann, Skechers are continuing the grow their performance line as they've made waves in baseball, golf, and soccer in recent years.
Dropping two sneakers, the SKX Resagrip and SKX Float, only time will tell if Skechers sticks around for the long run. Competition drives innovation so we're all for it.