What They’re Wearing – Round One Preview
credit: Sixers.com
After an unusually long hiatus, I’m back. Though if you’ve been following me on Twitter (@dubsnuggs), then you know I’ve been hitting you with the latest 76ers sneaker news.
This time around I’ll be giving a preview of what to expect in the Sixers’ first round playoff series against Brooklyn. I am hopeful that we’ll see Joel Embiid’s giant Under Armour HOVR Havocs on court during the series. Let’s get to the sneakers.
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Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons
Simmons turned heads this week with the crazy “Phila Unite” Air Jordan 1 customs – see above. He created them in collaboration with Philadelphia based UBIQLAB. These are beautiful and the craftsmanship is top-notch. Pairs were made for Carson Wentz and Rhys Hoskins (probably because Bryce wears Under Armour), too. You can enter to win your own pair here. These joints are like 1,000 fire emojis.
Simmons worked with UBIQ last season to create a custom pair of Nike Hyperdunk 2017 that Ben wore on-court for a few games. They used similar materials to the Air Jordan 1s that have been the talk of Sixers’ Twitter for the past week.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben pulls something special for the playoffs. He’s worn a plethora of different colorways this season of his beloved Nike Hypderdunk X, so let’s hope for some flavor for the playoffs.
JJ Redick
I haven’t mentioned JJ much this season. He’s worn primarily low, white adidas basketball sneakers with their Boost technology the entire season. The model above is the adidas Crazy Light Boost 2018. Don’t expect much to change in the playoffs for Redick.
Jimmy Butler
Unlike JJ, Jimmy has been the focal point of a lot of the sneaker content produced throughout the season. Though he’s still the Sixers’ colorway king, his rotation has gotten stale over the past few weeks. Let’s hope Jimmy and Jordan Brand are cooking up some new heat for the playoffs.
Tobias Harris
Tobias pulls out a different pair of Kobe’s every game. He’s worn countless colorways during his short tenure in Philadelphia. I honestly couldn’t even begin to guess what he’ll wear for the playoffs. Some guys wear different colors based on the team they’re playing or the city they’re in, but there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason for Harris’s sneaker choices.
Joel Embiid
I will include Joel with the starters (fingers crossed). Embiid has been wearing the Under Armour HOVR Havoc (most recently the blue and red pair above) since returning from his injury. It’s not a great look for Under Armour since they made Joel the face of their newly released UA Spawn Anatomix back in December, and he hasn’t worn them while playing through his assorted injuries. I would think Under Armour will be bringing out some new colorways for the post-season, unless Embiid prefers to stick with a pair he’s comfortable in. Time will tell.
Reserves
If Embiid isn’t healthy enough for action, Jonah Bolden or Amir Johnson will probably start in his place. Bolden will be wearing his usual Nike Zoom KD11. Johnson has been so sporadic this year with both his sneakers and playing time, but he tends to revert to the Nike Kyrie 4 if he thinks he’s going to be getting playing time. Boban won’t be starting, but he should see a few more minutes if Embiid isn’t available. He wears the Nike Hypderdunk X.
Mike Scott has worn primarily the Nike Zoom Kobe AD, so that’s what we should expect in this series. Fellow back-up guard TJ McConnell will be wearing his Under Armour HOVR Havoc low in team colors. Potential X-factor Zhaire Smith is the only Puma cat on the team. He’s been wearing the Puma Uproar ‘Spectra’ (above). Friend of the program, James Ennis III, wears the Nike Zoom Kobe AD NXT 360. I wouldn’t expect that to change. Jonathon Simmons has worn the Nike Zoom Kobe VIII ‘Christmas’ for the last few games.
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Brooklyn Nets
D’Angelo Russell has worn the Nike PG 2.5 (the sneaker Zion blew out) all season long. Recently he’s been playing in the ‘Playstation’ version.
As I’ve written about in the past, Spencer Dinwiddie wears custom sneakers for every game. Dinwiddie works with sneaker artist Kickasso to come up with special colorways based on the city he’s playing in or current events that he wants to honor. Here is a compilation of his sneakers throughout the season. He honored Iverson and Dr. J when playing the Sixers earlier in the season. I’ll make sure to tweet out what Dinwiddie is wearing each game this series.
Rounding out the starting line-up for the Nets are Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, and Jarrett Allen. All three play in subdued Nike models in team colors. LeVert in the Nike Kyrie 5, Harris in the Nike Zoom Kobe AD, and Allen in the Nike Kyrie 3.
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Before signing off, I wanted to remind everyone to check out Lapstone & Hammer. Use code PQ30 for 30% off at check out. I love sneakers, but I also have two kids and bills to pay, so I can’t throw money around like I would prefer to. Thusly, I am always looking for bargains and discounts. There tends to be a lot of sticker shock with some of the high-end stuff, but here are my personal favorite hidden gems at L&H for under $80.
These are perfect for summer. Classic model that was worn by Isiah Thomas back in the Bad Boys days.
Saucony Shadow 5000 EVR ‘Minty Fresh’ $35
Yes, you see that correctly – $35. I love a statement sneaker, so these are right in my wheelhouse (unfortunately there are no size 12 left). These are great everyday sneakers. The cushioning is springy, but firmer than adidas Boost.
adidas POD-S3.1 $35
Another $35 find. I feel like these were released with less fanfare than there should have been. This is a clean model from adidas.
Asics Gel-Lyte $35
These are classics. This colorway is subtle, but the pattern on the maker’s mark adds the perfect pop of uniqueness.
Reebok Revenge ‘The Hall of Fame’ $35
I love these so much. I love the perfs. I love the color. And I love the red and blue embroidery work. Alas, no size 12, but if you’re a 9-11, you should jump all over these.
Just a clean, classic sneaker for the summer with a unique look.
Look good, feel good. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have your sneakers on point.
As always… Stay tuned.
