From Michael Jordan to Darius Acuff Jr: NBA rookies who got signature sneakers

· Yahoo Sports

Getting a signature sneaker is something every athlete dreams of. Many players grew up wearing their favorite players' shoes, drawn by the prestige and excitement of having their own kicks. And only a select few landed a signature shoe the moment they entered the league.

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From the 1980s to 2026, here’s a look at every NBA rookie (or soon-to-be rookie) who’s done it:

Michael Jordan: Air Jordan I

The Jordan I is one of the most iconic sneakers that was ahead of its time when a rookie named Michael Jordan wore them in 1985. During an era where sneakers were plain and white, the folks at Nike had something else in mind for the brand's newest signee. The NBA put a $5,000 fine on them for violating the uniform dress code, but that didn't stop Mike from wearing them. Remember the '85 Dunk Contest? Mike had the gold chains, soaring through the air with the "One that started it all."

Hakeem Olajuwon: Etonic Akeem The Dream

After he was drafted No. 1 in 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon signed with Etonic, a brand known for making golf and running sneakers. The Dream's sneaker featured a full-grain leather upper with glove leather lining.

Shaquille O'Neal: Reebok Shaq Attaq

The Big Aristotle signed with Reebok, and the Shaq Attaq was released in 1992. Shaq's kicks featured a suede and leather upper, speed lacing, his famous two-handed dunk logo on the back, and the famous Pump on the tongue that complemented the Magic's uniform perfectly.

Grant Hill: FILA Grant Hill I

At a time when different brands were on players' feet in the '90s, Grant Hill and FILA debuted the Grant Hill I in 1995. Just ask any sneakerhead who has an affinity for throwback kicks, the HOFer's kicks are still respected to this day.

Jerry Stackhouse: FILA Stackhouse I

One of the best sneaker campaigns of the 1990s was FILA's "FILADELPHIA" initiative to introduce the Stackhouse I in '95. Stack rocked the sneaker during his rookie year with the Philadelphia 76ers and the shoe was brought back in 2007 as the "Spaghetti."

Allen Iverson: Reebok Question

Back in 1997, Reebok signed a rookie from Georgetown by the name of Allen Iverson and gave him the Reebok Question. Designed by Scott Hewitt, the Question had similarities to the Air Jordan XI – the sneaker Iverson wore as a Hoya – with its toe cap and a ghilly lacing system. The Question also had Hexalite windows that resembled a beehive and became one of the most iconic sneakers A.I. wore throughout his career. Plus, it's the one he crossed Michael Jordan in.

Stephon Marbury: AND1 Marbury I

The perfect match for streetball-based brand AND1 in 1996 was inking a deal with Stephon Marbury, the brand's first signature athlete. Shortly after the signing, AND1 launched a commercial where Starbury dribbles through people inside a subway train. He rocked the Marbury I during his time in Minnesota, and it's regarded as one of AND1's best sneakers.

LeBron James: Nike Air Zoom Generation

At 18 years old, LeBron James's $90 million sneaker contract was one of the most lucrative deals a brand gave an athlete who had yet to step on an NBA floor. The gamble was tough, but it was well worth it in the end. The kid from Akron turned out to be that once-in-a-generation talent while creating highlights in the Air Zoom Generation.

Lonzo Ball: Big Baller Brand ZO2 Prime

When Lonzo Ball first debuted his $495 ZO2 Prime sneaker from family-owned Big Baller Brand, the Internet quickly chimed in about not only the price but the various inspirations behind the sneaker's design. The eldest Ball would wear the sneakers for a bit before scrapping out that design and getting a sneaker made by David Raysse, founder of Brandblack and his personal design agency, Santa Ana Designs, to cook up something for the big baller.

Scoot Henderson: Puma Scoot Zeros

The Scoot Zeros were the first signature shoe from one of the NBA’s most hyped new talents coming out of the 2023 class. According to Puma, these shoes were inspired by Scoot’s personal mantra, "O.D.D: Overly Determined to Dominate."

Darius Acuff Jr: Reebok

He still hasn't arrived in the NBA yet, but according to Nick De Paula, he'll become the 11th NBA rookie to have his signature shoe:

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: From Michael Jordan to Darius Acuff Jr: NBA rookies who got signature sneakers

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