Details on Victor Wembanyama's Sneaker Deal With Nike
The 2023 NBA Draft is on Thursday, June 22, and all eyes are on one player. After a historic multi-team race to the bottom, the San Antonio Spurs lucked out to secure the top draft pick. San Antonio will select 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama is a French prospect who has already been heralded as a generational talent comparable to LeBron James. The 7'2" center handles and shoots the ball like a guard and dominates the paint like a traditional big man.
Before ever entering the NBA, many industry experts and reporters openly discussed the size of Wembanyama's sneaker deal. Legendary sneaker executive Sonny Vaccaro said Wembanyama could receive "a blank check" from a sneaker brand.
However, Nick DePaula of ESPN reported that Wembanyama's previous footwear and apparel deal with Nike would carry over into the NBA. Wembanyama signed a multi-year sneaker deal with Nike during his professional career in France.
Throughout last season, Wembanyama wore custom size 20.5 Nike Zoom G.T. Run shoes on the court. He is expected to continue highlighting models from Nike's G.T. series throughout his rookie season.
Nike Zoom G.T. Run
Victor Wembanyama ties his shoes before a game.
@NBA
The Nike Zoom G.T. Run launched in July 2021 for $175 in adult sizes. Despite not having a signature athlete's name attached to the line, the performance model features some of Nike's most cutting-edge technology.
A Nike React midsole delivers a smooth ride, while a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provides additional cushioning. The two-layer upper is made from lightweight mesh for a broken-in feel and a textured haptic print layer for extra durability. Lastly, the thin rubber outsole has curvy ridges that bend and flex to provide traction in multiple directions.
It is safe to assume that Wembanyama will quickly become the face of the Nike Zoom G.T. series before eventually receiving his own signature sneaker line. Wembanyama's road to sneaker history begins as soon as he is drafted on Thursday night. Stay tuned to FanNation Kicks for all your sneaker news.
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