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3 Days After NASCAR Inspired Release, Michael Jordan’s $5.2 Billion Brand Celebrates 30th Anniversary With $210 Throwback

Published 09/26/2023, 12:21 AM EDT

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Due to the overabundance of basketball lore that comes with him, tributes to Michael Jordan’s iconic moments are not uncommon. Especially, when his brand has taken complete authority over such tributes. Whether it be legendary moments from his time with the Chicago Bulls or special retro pieces, a piece of Michael Jordan comes with every sneaker. But, the latest tribute piece, a rehash from a time long gone by, might be one of the best yet.

After all, it takes you old school, to the time before MJ took the league by storm.

Michael Jordan – before the fame

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While one would assume that the arguable GOAT would come into the league with unprecedented hype, that surprisingly wasn’t the case. Despite being a standout athlete in his college days, Jordan was the third pick in his draft class. Moreover, that selection was more ideal than surprising.

Even though he led his alma mater to an NCAA Championship, Jordan was seen as a contributor rather than a leader. But, the game-winner does stand as iconic and a self-proclaimed “turning point” in his career. It is that history that the Jordan brand wants to bring to the forefront with its latest announcement.

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While the black/red stands as perpetually iconic, the powder blue from Jordan’s North Carolina days isn’t far behind. Throughout the years, the Jordan brand has taken full advantage of Mike’s collegiate popularity. Rather than focus on his tenure with, say, the Washington Wizards, Jordan’s career starter gets the nod regularly.

The shoe’s instant highlight is its work boot-like silhouette. Further along, the Powder Blue midsole along with the white leather uppers gives it a beautiful contrast. The Jumpan logo and 23 on the soles and back heel respectively, and a black shade on the tongue and sock liner complete the look.

A March 23, 2024 release, the sneaker comes in at $210 and is the second “unique” colorway from the brand in recent times.

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Michael Jordan’s NASCAR tribute

The Jordan-Nascar pairing brings about iconic colorways into his car’s paint schemes a long-standing tradition. But, while previous iterations saw the Brand feature paint schemes seen on the Toyoato No. 45, this time around the story is different.

While earlier schemes were a showcase of classic Jordan models, this time a new paint scheme to promote the collaboration with J Balvin is in the works. A ‘Medellin Sunset’ colorway, the shoe should go out later this month and boasts a multicolored gradient pattern on the back. After Tyler Reddick got the Luka Doncic endorsement, it is the second big-time responsibility involving the brand that has been placed upon him.

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Watch This Story: Crushed Bubba Wallace Drops 2-Word Confession As Michael Jordan Loses Crown To Rick Hendrick

With both shoes coming out soon, which one are you more excited for? Which pair are you copping? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Priyanshu

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Priyanshu Choudhary is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. Basketball has been his favorite sport for over a decade, and he has written close to 300 articles. If asked what he loves about the sport, Priyanshu would cite the technique, the breakdown, the ebb and flow and the theatrics that have endeared him since 2009.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo