{"id":148496,"date":"2011-02-16T16:32:11","date_gmt":"2011-02-16T22:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nicekicks.com\/?p=148496"},"modified":"2020-09-17T05:08:50","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T09:08:50","slug":"why-the-air-jordan-11-concord-should-bare-45","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/why-the-air-jordan-11-concord-should-bare-45\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Air Jordan 11 ?Concord? Should Bear #45"},"content":{"rendered":"

When an Air Jordan 11<\/strong> “Concord” sample picture recently surfaced much uproar was made about the #45 on the back. Although it has been said that this pair was a sample considered for the 2008 11\/12 CDP, many still wondered if the upcoming release should sport the 4-5. While the number change would differentiate between past releases is it in fact important to the Jordan legacy? We dug in the crates to find out.<\/p>\n

May 7th, 1995<\/strong>
\nChicago Bulls @ Orlando Magic
\nGame 1 Eastern Conference Semi Finals<\/p>\n

Jordan Debuts the Air Jordan 11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Michael Jordan’s first game in the Air Jordan 11 was also his last game wearing the number #45. On May 7th, 1995 MJ unveiled the “Concords” to the world in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Orlando. Cameras snapped close ups of the never before seen sneaker that many thought would never be. Between his retirement and the fact that many considered the Air Jordan 10 a tribute shoe, the Air Jordan 11 was not only a shocking design but also a surprising continuance of the Air Jordan line that some thought was over.<\/p>\n

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MJ’s debut of the “Concords” and face-off against the Magic would be a humbling one. Number 45 struggled in Game 1 going 8-22 from the field and turning the ball over 8 times. Perhaps it was an injured hand or not being in rhythm with the team, but regardless the Bulls would go on to lose the game and eventually the series. This would be Jordan’s first (and last) postseason exit since the first 3-Peat.<\/p>\n

How did MJ respond? His work ethic and desire to win would be redefined?as he came back the next season wearing the “Concords” for an NBA record 72-10 season. After coming back for 17 games of the 94-95 season he would play all 82 games the next three season. Each year the Bulls would win the NBA Championship giving Jordan six rings and cementing his status as the greatest player to ever do it.<\/p>\n

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Putting #45 on the back of the Air Jordan 11 “Concord” is a win-win for sneakerheads. First, it provides a subtle difference for those that have the 2000 retro. Even back in 2000 when retro was a relatively abstract concept, the “Concords” sold out in no time and caused line ups. It’s only fair that those who’ve been in the game since then and paid their dues have something to call their own.<\/p>\n

Secondly, the #45 provides the truest of OGs. They were debuted in, played in, and designed for #45. The Air Jordan 11 “Concord” is already the most iconic basketball shoe ever and placing the 45 on the back signifies an important but often forgotten turning point in the most iconic player evers career.<\/p>\n

Putting the 45 on the back on the “Concords” is an important part of MJ’s legacy. What number do you feel the Air Jordan 11 “Concord” should sport in 2011? Vote in our poll and tell us in the comment section.<\/p>\n