Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony both launched new sneakers this past week with nods to family and hoodies respectively.
The OKC Thunder may be out of the playoffs, however they are still active as they begin their offseason work. Russell Westbrook spoke in his exit interview of his disappointment for the early exit.
When one pundit suggested the time off would offer time for rest Westbrook scoffed at this idea. Russell Westbrook stated although he enjoys time to recoup he’d rather be playing. Still, there was one part of his additional time off the superstar relishes which is spending time with his son Noah.
Russell Westbrook beamed when asked about his first year of fatherhood. The OKC Thunder point guard pointed to the fact he got to spend so much time with Noah last summer and that was the only drawback of the season for him.
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Notably travelling took him away from the youngster and in the first year that means copious “firsts” were missed. He’ll get the opportunity to spend ample time this summer with his son and plans to take full advantage. In honor of his son’s first birthday Westbrook’s newest kicks may homage to Noah.
Ross Dwyer of Sneaker News notes the emerald coloring of his new Why Not Zer0.1 are a nod to Noah’s birthdate. Emerald is the birthstone for May so presumably that is the tie in.
"Featuring a white forefoot with black Jumpman branding, a black heel and collar, and a emerald mesh underlay on the upper, the shoe offers a further nod to Westbrook’s young son with his birthstone and birthday on the inside of the strap. Westbrook branding, an emerald lace toggle and an emerald outsole complete the shoe’s commemorative look. Expect this new Why Not Zer0.1 to arrive on Nike.com soon."
Anthony’s Hoodie Homage:
The other OKC Thunder player with new kicks is Carmelo Anthony who launched his Melo 1.5 in orange this past week. Again, Ross Dwyer of Sneaker News provides the specifics on the kicks.
"Carmelo Anthony’s “Hoodie Melo” alter ego was the inspiration for a blacked-out Melo 1.5 that released last week, and the superstar’s hooded doppelganger has returned as inspiration for another take on the fan-favorite silhouette, this time decked out in a bright OKC Thunder-esque orange. The tonal sneaker features an orange mesh upper with orange croc detailing on the heel, while a throwback black/white “Melo” logo hit on the lateral side of the collar and more black Melo branding on the tongue provide contrast."
The price tag for Westbrook’s Why Not Zer0.1 is $125.00 and will be available on Nike.com soon. Anthony’s shoes are available on eBay with varying costs.
The timing of the shoe releases may also have been intended to coincide with what the OKC Thunder expected to be a deep playoff run. Product launches are planned months ahead of time.
Therefore it does make sense the players and Nike were hopeful the Thunder would still be playing. This because the added television exposure serves as natural promotion of the shoes. Still both sneakers are hot designs and colors appealing to Thunder and NBA fans in general.