It’s been quite the hectic summer for San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan. Most notably, the Toronto Raptors somewhat controversially shipped DeRozan to San Antonio in a deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to Canada. Even beyond that, DeRozan was an active participant in the USA Basketball minicamp that took place in Las Vegas last month, giving him an opportunity to get to know his new head coach a little better.
But as has been the case over the last few summers, DeRozan has taken to the Drew League as a way to scratch the itch he has for the game. On Saturday night, DeRozan’s performance at the Drew was a little more special than usual, as he used it as an opportunity to show off Kobe Bryant’s upcoming signature kicks.
The Drew League posted a picture of DeRozan’s sneakers on Instagram, saying that the newest edition of the Kobe A.D. is rumored to be released on Kobe Day, also known as August 24.
They’re a vibrant pair of low tops that boast a unique color pattern and a pair of logos — the Kobe logo on one, and Kobe’s name in the shape of Philadelphia “LOVE” sign on the other. The return to the low top design will be a welcome sight for many, as last year’s model shifted to a mid top design that caused some long-time Kobe wearers in the NBA to look elsewhere for their low top Nike fix — most went to either the Paul George line or the Hyperdunk Low.
Immediately noticeable on the sneaker is the unique lacing, which appears wider and also goes higher up than the traditional shoe in an effort to give it more stability. There is also a panel across the forefoot that is reminiscent of the PG1 strap (without the strap) that looks to give the shoe more stability. We await word of specifics with regards to material and Nike hasn’t officially announced that it will release these a little later this month, but assuming they are, these will surely fly off the shelves in celebration of the Black Mamba.
