Breaking Down Team USA's Basketball Sneakers
We cannot wait for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. However, there is still work left to be done for every athlete dreaming of winning a gold medal. For example, the USA Basketball Men's National Team is preparing for the 2023 FIBA World Cup later this month.
After wrapping up their second day of training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, the new-look squad sat down for the official team photograph. Similar to the first day of a new school year, the NBA players came correct with fresh haircuts and crispy clean new sneakers.
While Nike is the official team sponsor, multiple brands will be represented on the hardwood by different Team USA players. Of the 12 players on the roster, seven are Nike athletes, two adidas athletes, one Jordan Brand athlete, one Rigorer athlete, and one sneaker free agent.
Of course, this summer's FIBA roster will differ from next summer's Olympics roster. Fans can expect more veteran leadership and star power to be added over the next year. But below is a complete breakdown of the 2023 USA Basketball Men's National Team roster by sneaker brands.
Roster Analysis
| Player | Brand | Shoe |
|---|---|---|
Paolo Banchero | Jordan Brand | Jordan Tatum 1 |
Mikal Bridges | Nike | Nike PG 6 |
Jalen Brunson | Nike | Nike Kobe 6 Protro |
Anthony Edwards | adidas | adidas BYW Select |
Tyrese Haliburton | Nike | Nike Kobe 6 Protro |
Josh Hart | Nike | Nike Kobe 6 Protro |
Brandon Ingram | Sneaker Free Agent | Air Jordan 38 |
Jaren Jackson Jr. | Nike | Nike GT Run 2 |
Cam Johnson | Nike | Nike GT Cut 2 |
Walker Kessler | adidas | adidas BYW Select |
Bobby Portis | Nike | Nike Kobe 5 Protro |
Austin Reaves | Rigorer | Rigorer AR1 |
As expected, Nike (and Jordan Brand) dominate the field, accounting for 66% of the roster. However, that is down from previous years, where the Swoosh was worn by almost every player on the roster.
Hoops fans can expect to see Team USA in action next week, with the actual 2023 FIBA World Cup starting on August 25. It is safe to assume that every sneaker brand will bring their A-game to the global platform. Stay tuned to FanNation Kicks for all your footwear coverage.
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