words & images // Nick DePaula:
While his San Antonio Spurs’ postseason run may be over, Kawhi Leonard has not only established himself as a franchise player for years to come as the team moves into a new era, but he’s also emerged as a leading star at Jordan Brand.
Both Leonard and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook faced off in their 2nd Round series that concluded last night, each headlining the brand’s newest game shoe, the Air Jordan XXX, in custom colorways.
While Westbrook’s versions have tried to be as bold and loud as the fashions he’s become known for, Kawhi’s kicks were naturally more subdued, much like the reserved Spur himself.
He hit the court in a subtle white and black custom player exclusive for most of the playoffs, and Jordan Brand also made him this white and gray special makeup, featuring hues to match San Antonio’s alternate “Signature Spur” unis. The shoes feature a nubbed toe cap, and the phrase “Excellence Is Never Second Place” can be found along the midsole.
Leonard’s size 14.5 PEs also incorporated his “Claw” logo along the tongue, that Kawhi actually designed himself.
“I started working on this logo several years ago,” Leonard explained earlier in the season. “It took awhile to develop. I started by tracing my hand, then figured out how to incorporate the K, the L and my number 2. I’m happy with how it turned out.”
A “K” can be more overtly seen along the left of the logo, while the middle finger and thumb connect to form a “L.” His jersey number can be spotted on the index finger, with a notch on each side helping to create the 2.
While Leonard wasn’t able to hit the court in these as the team’s season came to an early close, check out Kawhi’s latest Air Jordan player exclusive in detail below, and let us know what you think in the comments section.
