Written by SoleSavy Member Joe Habersham
For the first time since 1997, the NBA’s All-Star Weekend returns to Cleveland, Ohio. From Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving bringing a championship home, we dive into the most memorable Cleveland-related basketball shoes.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred” (1989) – “The Shot” Versus Cleveland
Sorry Cleveland fans, you know this shot all too well.
In game five of the 1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals, we saw Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls upset the Cleveland Cavaliers with one of the most legendary game-winning buzzer-beaters in playoff history. Chicago’s down one point with three seconds left on the clock. Who can they go to for the last shot? Jordan catches the in-bound pass, works his way to the top of the key, shoots, and scores. Ball. Game.
Wearing the “Bred” AJ4s, “The Shot” and the colorway became synonymous.
adidas Crazy 97 EQT Elevation (1997) – Kobe Bryant’s First Shoe
Before the world knew Kobe Bryant as the “Black Mamba,” he was the young basketball phenom hailing from Lower Merion High School. And that’s exactly what caught adidas’ attention when they offered the then-17-year old athlete a six-year, $48 million contract.
During the 1997 All-Star Weekend, Bryant put on a show in the Rookie Showcase, scoring 31 points, and then went on to win the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in Cleveland, Ohio.
adidas T Mac 2.0 “SVSM” PE (2002) – “The Chosen One” Emerges
It was through the St.Vincent-St.Mary High School basketball program that the world was introduced to “The Chosen One.”
Sure, we still have high school basketball phenoms today, but none experienced the same level of hype and excitement as LeBron James.
As a freshman, he played home games at the University of Akron in front of over 5,000 seats. He gained nationwide fame by the time he was a junior and faced nationally ranked programs on a daily basis. There are plenty of other shoes that James laced up during his high school days, but none are as clean as the T Mac 2.0, dressed in the SVSM color scheme.
Nike Air Zoom Generation (2003) – LeBron James’ First Signature Shoe
The Air Zoom Generation is the shoe that started it all for King James.
The “Chosen One” was selected number one overall in the 2003 NBA Draft to his hometown town, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rookie penned a seven-year, $90 million deal with Nike.
There was a lot of hype for James heading into his rookie NBA season, and we all know that he delivered. In his first game as an NBA player, James brought the Air Zoom Generation out on the court, which served as his first signature shoe. Though James lost his first game to the Sacramento Kings, he put up 25 points and nine assists in 42 minutes.
The rest is history…
Nike Zoom LeBron 5 (2007) – LeBron James’ First NBA Finals Appearance
The Zoom LeBron 5 was the shoe that James wore in his 2007 NBA Finals debut. After years of disappointing playoff appearances, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to make their first appearance in the NBA Finals.
With the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy in sight, all that was left was to take care of their opponent — the San Antonio Spurs. That’s easier said than done. In one corner, you have legendary players Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker taking on a 22-year old James.
Ultimately, the Spurs made quick work of the Cavaliers, sweeping them in four games to win their fourth NBA championship.
Luckily for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, this wouldn’t be their last trip to the NBA Finals.
Nike LeBron 12 PE (2014) – Return to Cleveland Versus New York Knicks
“I’m coming home.” The only three words that could repair hearts in Cleveland.
You didn’t need to be a fan of the Cavaliers to appreciate what LeBron James meant to the city. He was Cleveland’s most important sports figure from the time he debuted to the time he left.
Luckily, his departure didn’t last forever as he returned to Cleveland for the 2014-15 NBA season. On October 30, 2014, James brought out these two LeBron 12 PEs marking the end of his homecoming tour and putting the league on notice of his arrival.
Under Armour Curry 1 “Black and Gold” PE (2015) – Curry’s First NBA championship & Won at Cleveland
The Under Armour Curry 1 was the shoe that launched a sports dynasty.
The “Babyface Assassin” was looking for a lot more than his MVP nod back in 2015; Curry was interested in winning his first championship. It would take the Golden State Warriors six games to close out the Cleveland Cavaliers and end Golden State’s 40-year championship drought. And to hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship in front of the opponent’s crowd? That’s cold.
Nike LeBron Soldier X (2016) – The Block that Put an End to a 52-year Championship Drought
Before Irving hit the shot, James got the block.
Just when Curry and Iguodala thought they could take the lead in the final two minutes of game seven, James comes soaring in for the chase down rejection. With a handful of possessions left in the 2016 NBA Finals, James stepped up like we’ve become so accustomed to seeing.
In the words of The King, “Cleveland, this is for you!”
Nike Kyrie 2 “Drew League” (2016) –The Shot that Put an End to a 52-year Championship Drought
“Irving and Curry, one-on-one… Irving puts it up — it’s good! Kyrie Irving from downtown!”
You know what it is…
Cavaliers, Warriors, Game 7 with the 2016 championship on the line. The game is tied at 89 with a minute remaining- Kyrie Irving asks Stephen Curry for a solo dance at the wing. Dribble…dribble…dribble…fadeaway 3-pointer…money.
Nike KD 10 “Finals” (2017) – KD Wins His First NBA Championship
The 2015-16 NBA season saw the Oklahoma City Thunder fumble a 3-1 series lead to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
In that following off-season, Kevin Durant shocked the world by joining the same team that knocked him out — the Golden State Warriors. The world lost its mind and many labeled KD weak, soft, a traitor, and a snake.
Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors silenced all the noise as they went on to win the 2017 NBA Championship in front of the Cleveland crowd.
Not only did the Warriors trample a LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavalier team in five games, but Durant shined, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, giving him the Finals MVP nod.
The critics talked, and KD shut them up.