Jordan Brand Members Weigh In on Zion Williamson’s Sneaker Free Agency

Sole Collector caught up with members of Jordan Brand to get their takes Zion Williamson’s sneaker free agency.

Zion Williamson poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine.
Image via Getty/David Sherman

When it comes to the NBA Draft class of 2019, there’s no bigger name than Zion Williamson. The number one overall pick is set to make his debut with the New Orleans Pelicans later this year and the next big shoe to drop (pun intended) will be when he announces what sneaker brand he’ll be signing with.

All signs would point to Nike as it’s the brand he’s worn throughout his college career and the one that would have the most to lose by not making a massive bid on him. Despite the sneaker blowout heard round the world, Williamson was still spotted in his modified Nike Kyries during rookie photoshoots.

But what about the other basketball brand within the Nike umbrella? Jordan Brand recently announced the addition of Jayson Tatum, the brand’s only NBA player on its roster under 25 years old, and may be exploring the possibility of bringing younger NBA players into the family. We caught up with some Jumpman team members to get their thoughts on what a Zion Williamson sneaker deal would mean for the brand.

When it comes to the NBA Draft class of 2019, there’s no bigger name than Zion Williamson. The number one overall pick is set to make his debut with the New Orleans Pelicans later this year and the next big shoe to drop (pun intended) will be when he announces what sneaker brand he’ll be signing with.

All signs would point to Nike as it’s the brand he’s worn throughout his college career and the one that would have the most to lose by not making a massive bid on him. Despite the sneaker blowout heard round the world, Williamson was still spotted in his modified Nike Kyries during rookie photoshoots.

But what about the other basketball brand within the Nike umbrella? Jordan Brand recently announced the addition of Jayson Tatum, the brand’s only NBA player on its roster under 25 years old, and may be exploring the possibility of bringing younger NBA players into the family. We caught up with some Jumpman team members to get their thoughts on what a Zion Williamson sneaker deal would mean for the brand.

Russell Westbrook

"We got a nice group of people here now, and we'd help him come along to be another main guy. But wherever he goes, he'll make an impact, he's a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. He'll be fine."

Spike Lee

“I think it would be great. I’ve heard some rumblings about that. He’s the most exciting player right now. I can’t tell where people are going to end up in their career, but right now Zion is fire. I wouldn’t be mad if he signed with Brand Jordan.”

Blake Griffin

"He’s one of the most dynamic athletes we’ve seen in a long, long time. He would obviously bring a lot of attention right away, and I think this brand makes sense for him, but he’s got to do what’s best for him."

Aleali May

“That would be dope, honestly when I look at all the athletes that are signed to team Jordan, they’re all very different. I think It would be great energy, with whatever he decides.”

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App