Sneakers That Ruled the NBA in Season 2020/21
The NBA’s 2020/21 stanza is about to reach a grand climax, with what promises to be a stellar NBA Finals series between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. It wasn’t quite the season we’re all used to seeing but, despite the lack of fans, there was certainly no shortage of heat on the players’ feet.
With a little help, we’ve broken down the most popular ballers among the game’s elite. From proven performers to the up-and-comers, these were the sneakers that lit up the hardwood in NBA Season 2020/21.
The Jumpman Continues His Reign
Since debuting on the feet of point guard Kia Nurse in the WNBA, the Air Jordan 35 has been the weapon of choice for Jordan Brand athletes across the world’s biggest leagues. A host of the NBA’s most promising young talent – including Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Rui Hachimura – all made the AJ35 their go-to gamers, utilising the model’s cutting-edge design and modern performance perks to take their games to a new level in season 2020/21.
Overall the sixth-most gamed sneaker in the league, the AJ35 was also a popular Player Exclusive canvas.
Freaky Feet
Back just in time for Game 1 of the Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA’s most exciting talents. ‘The Greek Freak’ continues to dominate for the Bucks, averaging 28.1 points per game in 2020/21, and his signature footwear line is following in his giant footsteps.
The Nike Zoom Freak 1 and the Zoom Freak 2 were laced up over 2000 times combined across the league during the regular season, with players drawn to the line’s low-cut profile and Zoom Air cushioning.
We expect the third Freak installment to be just as prolific next season.
Slimming is Winning
Kevin Durant finally returned to action after a lengthy battle with an Achilles injury, and showed why he’s one of the greatest players of the modern era, averaging close to 27 points in 35 regular season games for the Brooklyn Nets. And the same can be said for his signature sneaker line with Nike, which continued into its 14th generation this year.
Unfortunately, players and fans didn’t warm to the KD 14. We have to agree – it was one of the less memorable offerings from the ‘Slim Reaper’ we’ve seen. Nevertheless, the older KD 13 model came in as the third-most gamed sneaker this season, again solidifying its reputation as one of best modern performance basketball sneakers money can buy. Class is permanent!
The Legend of the Mamba Lives On
Dominating the court once again, Team Swoosh embody that Mamba Mentality, with the ever-popular Kobe 5 continuing to top the standings in 2020/21. The iconic baller was worn 2469 times throughout the season, finishing just ahead of another Mamba model, the Kobe 6, which was laced up 1980 times. The legend of the late Kobe Bryant is certainly carrying on thanks to his signature sneaker line!
Interestingly, the Bryant estate have announced a split from Nike, so we could see these numbers drop in coming seasons, which would be sad news for fans of the legendary on-court lineup. Would the league’s best game a standalone ‘Mamba’ sneaker? We’re not so sure.
