As the new year unfolds, across the league players were seen in an array of rare vintage sneakers and new debuts. For reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, the unveiling of his first performance signature sneaker was long awaited. Since signing with Jordan Brand in 2013, Westbrook has been the headlining player of each annual Air Jordan model, appearing in ad campaigns and receiving an endless batch of his own custom editions in Oklahoma City Thunder hues each season. After signing a long-term extension that'll keep him with the brand well into his career, the two moved toward the creation of his own on-court signature series, playing off of his ever present "Why Not?" motto.
As expected, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 turned heads this week with its quirky and unpredictable design. The first pair worn by Westbrook, dubbed the "2-Way," actually features a paper-mache art collage of himself on one shoe, and Michael Jordan on the other, passing the torch from the brand's namesake global icon to the explosive and expressive point guard.
"This shoe is futuristic and something that people will take a double look at," Westbrook said.
Elsewhere, Nick Young turned back the clock and wore a player exclusive edition of the Adidas Pro Model, a cult classic sneaker from the early 2000s beloved by AAU players on the brand's summer circuit at the turn of the century. Often styled in simple team colors and known for its performance, Young's pair in white, royal and yellow features his logo along the tongue, as well as "STILL SWAGGY" lettering on the collar.
"Haven't seen or hooped in a pair of Pro Models since AAU," Young captioned on Instagram. "So many memories."
Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker continued his season-long trend of wearing rare and vintage models, this time pulling out a Black History Month themed pair of the Kobe 7, while Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira was spotted in a laceless cross-trainer, the Jordan Trunner LX High, an oddity of sorts on the court.
Check out all of the best sneakers seen around the NBA this week and vote for your favorite below.