As the NBA closes its 2016-2017 season, the folks at Nike Basketball have created a new batch of shoes for their respective athletes. Nike introduces the ‘Flip the Switch’ Collection that features a fade gradient pattern and embossed Swoosh logos on each sneaker.
The Flip the Switch’ Collection includes the LeBron 14, KD 9 Elite, Kyrie 3, and the newest PG 1 model. First off the LeBron 14 and its articulated Zoom cushion system features a Miami Heat esque color combination. Not bad of a colorway as Swoosh hasn’t really released much of any colors for the LeBron 14 this year.
Kevin Durant also receives his own Playoff iteration as he returns to the Golden State Warriors lineup. He messed around during his return from injury with a double double. KD managed 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists with a win over New Orleans Pelicans playing 30 minutes. No minutes restriction for Durantula at all as we conclude that he and the Warriors are Playoff ready. The Nike KD 9 Elite is the latest model from Nike Basketball that features a Black and Grey upper with the Larry O’Brien trophy as the main highlight.
Lastly the last two sneakers are the Kyrie 3 and the newest PG 1. Each sneaker share a similar shade of blue and purple fade combinations where the Kyrie 3 is highlighted for his heroic three-pointer that sealed Cleveland’s first title. Lastly, the PG 1 has a Black suede and mesh combination with blue and purple highlights resulting in one of the best colorways yet for the sneaker. Out of all four sigs, Paul George is the only player to wear their Flip to Switch shoe on court against the Raptors on March 19, 2017 as seen below. At the time we thought this would be a PE as it was one of the better looking PG 1’s we’ve seen. Thanks to Nike, we are getting a chance to obtain the pair in the next coming weeks.
Will we see a Nike Basketball Elite Pack?
As of this writing, no. The only Elite model we have seen so far is the KD 9. The rest of the models are the standard models, the LeBron 14, Kyrie 3, PG 1, and Kobe A.D. It seems like Nike isn’t going to be releasing anymore Elites any time soon. Most of the Elite models have not met the expectations from the Swoosh as most of the models have sat throughout the years. With a high price point and the popularity from other brands, the Elite series that was a hit at one point, is no longer as prominent in todays market. However, it is nice to see the Nike continue to bring us a Playoff collection in time for the best time of the year, the NBA Playoffs. They know more than anyone that more eyes will be on the NBA product during this time of year. Brand visibility is key for a brands success and Nike has done this tremendously over the years.
The Nike Basketball Flip the Switch Collection is slated for a global release on May 5th, 2017 at most Nike retailers.
