When Will The Nike Ja 2 Be Released?
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On Christmas Day 2022, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant debuted his first signature sneaker in a road game against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. Morant became the Gen-Z signature athlete for Nike Basketball. The Nike Ja 1 was more than well-received; it was an immediate smash hit among sneakerheads.
Morant debuted multiple colorways for almost two months before a select few fans could get their hands on the hoop shoes at an igloo pop-up shop held in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. But no one could have guessed what would ensue next.
Two suspensions in as many months resulted in a rocky start to the launch of Morant's signature sneaker line. Release dates were delayed, colorways altered, and ESPN host Michael Wilbon declared he was boycotting the shoes.
But for as many negative moments have clouded Morant's debut shoe, there have been twice as many highlights. We have witnessed Morant gift his game-worn kicks to fans, supply schools with shoes, and wear colorways that highlight the importance of family.
Despite all of the drama, the Nike Ja 1 has been one of the best sneakers of the past year. All of that leads us to the question: when will we see Morant's second signature sneaker?
A detailed look at the Nike Ja 1.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By our count, the Nike Ja 1 has been released in 21 colorways. That would be enough styles for almost any sneaker's life cycle. While the Nike Ja 1 was debuted on December 25, 2022, any sneakerhead with an internet connection saw leaked images weeks in advance. It has been over a year, and there are no leaked images of the Nike Ja 2.
Is it possible that Nike canceled Morant's signature line? Not a chance. The Oregon-based brand has repeatedly issued statements of support for its superstar athlete and stood by him over the past year.
A more likely possibility is that the sophomore sneaker's release got slightly tweaked to more closely pattern its predecessor. The Nike Ja 1 hit shelves in April 2023, and a similar timeline would make sense.
Either Morant debuts the model as the Grizzlies make a late-season push for the NBA Playoffs (similar to Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant's signature sneaker's timeline), or he squeezes it in before the end of the regular season (like how Luka Doncic debuted his second signature sneaker before the Dallas Mavericks season ended last spring).
While fans are eager to see the next installment of Morant's signature sneaker line, no one is in a rush to see the debut model go away. Online shoppers can still choose between multiple colorways at a discount in select styles on the Nike website.
Luckily for basketball fans, Morant is back on the court and creating highlights on a nightly basis. With the worst behind him, it should be smooth sailing for Morant and Nike from here. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com to learn more about what your favorite athletes wear on and off the court.
Update
Morant suffered a right shoulder injury during a game on Monday, January 8. The Memphis Grizzlies medical staff quickly determined he would need season-ending shoulder surgery. This could impact the scheduled release date for Morant's second signature sneaker or at least how Nike plans to debut the model.
