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Nike Christmas Kicks 2011

Nike Christmas Kicks 2011

The NBA season finally starts tomorrow on Christmas Day with a great line-up of games: Boston at New York, Miami at Dallas, Chicago at the Lakers, Orlando at Oklahoma City and the Clippers at Golden State.

And the people at Nike are ready with a fun line of shoes to be put under the trees of the basketball players of the world:

Check-out Nike’s Christmas Day shoe message:

“Christmas day has become the canvas for special Nike Basketball colorways and the 2011 Christmas day games are sure to delight basketball fans around the world.

Kobe Bryant will push the boundaries by wearing a purple and lime green version of the Nike Zoom Kobe VII System (Attack Fast) with special graphics representing the speed of the leopard with red laces. LeBron James goes a bit more traditional with a red upper, white midsole and green lace version of the LEBRON 9. Kevin Durant will wear a metalized-effect version of the Nike Zoom KD IV inspired by copper cookie cutters. And Amar’e will sport a predominantly green version of the Nike Air Max Sweep Thru paying heritage to New York’s Christmas Day uniforms.

Additional technical details of each Nike Basketball signature shoe include:

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme edition features a performance system that allows players to customize the shoe, switching ankle support and midfoot cushioning.  Two interchangeable insert options are offered to match their style of play. If a player’s game is based on speed, there is the Attack Fast insert that features a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units that combined with low-cut, power-stretch cuff offers the ultimate in lightweight responsiveness and support. For games that get intense and physical in the paint, there is the Attack Strong insert. It offers a full-length Cushlon midsole and an ankle cuff for a plush, comfortable ride with great support.  The Nike Kobe VII design also tells a predator story that’s inspired by Kobe’s predator-like instinct on the court.

LEBRON 9 is the first Nike shoe to combine Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction in the upper. A midfoot harness that wraps around the foot incorporates Flywire 3.0 technology that adds strength and lock down support to breathability and durability. This lightweight upper mimics the speed and strength symbolic of LeBron’s game.  The finely-tuned midsole provides a unique hybrid cushioning system by combining Max Air 180 in the heel for absorption on impact with a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot for a springy response.

Nike Zoom KD IV incorporates the new Adaptive Fit system that provides a superior lock-down fit and lateral support. The combination of Hyperfuse on the upper, Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and low collar design offers lightweight, low-profile responsive cushioning and optimal support and flexibility which makes this a versatile shoe for multiple positions on the court. Created with direct insights from Kevin Durant and his lineage, the Nike Zoom KD IV pays tribute to his team and family with design details.

Nike Air Max Sweep Thru has a lock-down fit made to support and cushion for explosive play with a blend of stability and comfort. An adjustable strap at the midfoot provides a snug, secure fit while the Max Air unit in the heel offers incredible cushioning and impact protection.  Additional features include a leather upper for a supportive and comfortable fit, a herringbone pattern and pivot circle on the outsole for traction during multidirectional movement, and perforations at upper for enhanced breathability.”

Fantastic looking shoes. How to choose? Can one person ask for all four to be put under the tree for them?

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Is this discussion still just about Kobe and Lebron or can we add a few more names?

Who really is the best basketball player in the world right now?

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Magic Johnson speaking at Albany University:

“Everybody’s always asking, ‘Who is better between Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron?’ I’m like, Are you kidding me? I’m like, you’re kidding me … Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero.”

Magic on comparisons to the great Michael Jordan:

“Come on, man, six championships for Jordan. You know that Michael averaged over 30 points every playoff series? Don’t try to touch that,” he said.


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Yes – the Black Mamba could become the Nero Mambismo. For those of you who doubt this story, take note that Kobe lived in Italy when his dad played there.

Also Kobe is > fluent in Italiano.

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Couldn’t agree more with basketball superstar Kobe Bryant on why someone should love Barcelona:

“I’ve always loved the way that they play. They play as a unit. They play together. They play creatively. And they play hard.”

So true. I especially like the last line – that they play hard. People forget that. They forget about Barcelona’s work rate and forget about tough guys like defender Carles Puyol.

Barcelona has during the last year been unfairly branded as a diving team – an accusation orchestrated by the shameless and manipulative Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho – but nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that Barca players cannot help but go to ground when their opponents resort to physical and illegal tactics. And the other truth is that – as mentioned above by Kobe – the team would have won nothing without being tough and playing hard.

It’s a beautiful and unbeatable combo in soccer: skill and toughness. It’s the combo that in my opinion has made Barcelona the best team in the world and one of the best teams of all time.

Hey wait – those are the very things that for so many years made Kobe Bryant the best basketball player in the world.

Kobe and Barcelona – a beautiful match.

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Kobe with Puyol and Busquets

Kobe with Puyol and Busquets

It’s the off-season and the NBA has locked-out it’s players, so what’s a player to do? Well, if you’re Kobe Bryant you go into fan mode and do a few interviews.

Kobe was front and centre  - actually on the field – on Saturday as his beloved Barcelona faced Manchester United in a friendly at FedEx Field in Washington.

And he was in ESPN’s studio’s for an interview in which he was asked his opinion on Lebron James. His response? The world needs to lay-off of Lebron and “let him play”. I guess that Kobe has forgotten about “the Decision” and all of that nonsense that Lebron heaped upon himself. And I guess he wants the world to forget too. I guess that’s to be expected during a time of player union solidarity. Wonder if he’ll go as easy on Lebron when the league resumes?

The other interesting notion that comes up in the interview is that Kobe expects his team to win next year. So typically Kobe but can the squad do it? And can he? While he’s had a superb career, he seems to be less and less part of the best player debate as he ages and the days pass.

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