While you’re probably eager to learn about the latest Air Jordans that are coming out, it is worth knowing that the Jordan Brand family has a new member. There are currently 21 active players in the NBA that Jordan Brand sponsors. They include Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler, and Russell Westbrook. The most recent to join those names is Jayson Tatum, a rising 21-year-old star in the Boston Celtics’ roster. In addition to Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, the Boston Celtics now have three Jordan Brand athletes. Back in 2018, Jayson Tatum had just become a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Jayson Tatum Was The First To Wear Nike’s Adapt BB Self-Lacing Basketball Sneakers
Nike Basketball introduced the Adapt BB earlier this year in mid-January 2019 as a basketball sneaker equipped with E.A.R.L. (Electric Adaptable Reaction Lacing) technology borrowed from the HyperAdapt. Through Nike E.A.R.L., the fit, lacing and pressure of the Adapt BB will automatically adjust to the contours of the wearer’s feet. Accordingly, they will even be able to choose between a “game,” “street,” and “warm-up” mode. Nike has also developed a special app to be paired with the sneaker so that wearers may further customize it. Anyone who installs the app will be able to choose different colors for the midsole lights, download updates, and save preferences.
Overall, the Nike Adapt BB is a mid-top basketball sneaker and its self-lacing mechanism is hidden beneath a forefoot shroud. It also features large midfoot “Swoosh” logos that are cut off by its outsoles. Of course, sneakerheads had to wait until February 17th, 2019 for the Nike Adapt BB to make its retail debut in its debut Black/White/Pure Platinum (AO2582-001) colorway at a price of $350. However, Jayson Tatum received a pair far before that. He was the first to wear the Nike Adapt BB, more specifically on an NBA court, during a 2019 Playoff game between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors.
Jayson actually praised the adaptive fit of sneaker before the game while speaking to reporters. He explained how snug they fit “like a glove,” despite not having any laces, and also pointed out how securely they grasp the wearer’s feet. The Celtics ended up defeating the Raptors with a score of 117-108 and Jayson himself scored 16 points along with 10 rebounds whilst wearing the Adapt BB. Even Brad Stevens, the team’s coach, jokingly expressed an interest in wanting a pair of Jayson’s “motorized shoe” as well.
Jayson Tatum Becomes An Official A Jordan Brand Athlete Alongside Rui Hachimura
It is true that Jayson Tatum was acquired by the Boston Celtics just two years ago during the 2017 NBA draft and 2017-18 was his rookie season. However, it was Michael Jordan himself who announced him as the next Jordan Brand athlete. Another NBA player who recently joined the Jordan Brand family along with Jayson was Rui Hachimura of the Washington Wizards. Jayson signed a deal with Jordan Brand this past Friday and hung out with Michael Jordan the very next day.
In addition to being a Jordan Brand athlete, Jayson Tatum is going to be the face of the Celtics from the 2019-20 season and onwards, considering that Al Horford and Kyrie Irving are likely departing. Hope he managed to get some useful pointers and tips during the time he spent with the G.O.A.T. This past summer, Jayson was even training with Kobe Bryant. Nonetheless, it is truly impressive that Jayson Tatum has already been welcomed into the Jordan Brand family merely two years after being drafted.