As the Team USA Men’s National Team takes part in mini-camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, plenty of hoops enthusiasts are enamored with the “fantasy” like atmosphere by the world’s finest teaming up for intra-squad competition. As the notable silhouettes and PEs get unveiled in the Nevada desert, our latest edition of Nice Kicks Throwback Thursday features a player and a silhouette that took part in a similar USA teamed function of years past in Kobe Bryant and the Nike Zoom Kobe II.
Detailing the history of the model as well as the Kobe signature line leading up to the Nike Zoom Kobe II, this latest edition of #TBT is certainly worth the look.
After the video above, flip through the pages below to enjoy additional history of the aforementioned silo.
Early History & adidas Lineage
Fresh off of several state titles with Lower Merion High School, prep phenom Kobe Bryant would declare for the 1996 NBA Draft. As draft night approached plenty speculated on whether or not Kobe would be a top-ten pick. All in all, Bryant would fall to number 13 and be selected by the Charlotte Hornets. Due to a legendary pre-draft workout with then Lakers GM Jerry West, the Los Angeles Lakers would swap their starting center in Vlade Divac for the aforementioned Bryant subsequently altering the history of both franchises.
With his lucrative adidas deal intact upon his arrival into the NBA, Bryant would go on to become one of the premier faces within the association; tallying numerous All-Star appearances and three consecutive NBA titles. In addition, Bryant would unveil his very own signature line with adidas as well.
