{"id":389656,"date":"2014-06-27T13:55:13","date_gmt":"2014-06-27T18:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=389656"},"modified":"2022-09-16T10:52:29","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T15:52:29","slug":"jumpmen-the-12-biggest-signings-in-jordan-brand-basketball-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/jumpmen-the-12-biggest-signings-in-jordan-brand-basketball-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Jumpmen: The 12 Biggest Signings in Jordan Brand Basketball History"},"content":{"rendered":"

Joining Jordan Brand<\/strong> is a unique accomplishment that few athletes can attain. Over the years, JB has grown to host NFL players, drivers and even artists, but the true essence of the company lies in basketball. Filling the shoes of your boss is always a tall task, especially when your boss is Michael Jordan, but the Jordan Brand roster has always done its best to represent both MJ’s legacy and the current climate of hoops culture.<\/p>\n

With the recent acquisition of Duke sensation Jabari Parker, we decided it was time to revise and reevaluate the biggest basketball signings in JB basketball history. Some spots remain the same, but fresh faces,\u00a0elevated play and new footwear selections have shaken up the standings. See\u00a0our picks in the feature below, and share your take with us on Twitter and in the comment section.<\/p>\n

12. Kawhi Leonard<\/h2>\n photo by Andy Lyons\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Following the 2013-14 season, Kawhi Leonard on Jordan Brand seems like a sure thing, but it was some strong foresight in hindsight. Coming into the year, Kawhi showed potential as a class act talent with a strong shoe game. Nevertheless, the standout swingman played in a relatively small market with no All-Star nods to his name. Making the leap when it mattered most, Kawhi proved a winner and a relentless yet calm competitor in the NBA Finals, taking home the championship trophy and the NBA Finals MVP award. The only other athlete in Jordan Brand history do both? That’d be Michael Jordan.<\/p>\n

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11. Mike Bibby<\/h2>\n photo by Stephen Dunn\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Though never a signature athlete or marquee endorser, Mike Bibby<\/strong> made history by being the first NBA player to wear Jordan Brand during his entire career. The Arizona alum rocked Js during much of his college stay and entered his rookie season with the Grizzlies wearing team makeups like the Jordan Team XI. JB would lace him with player exclusives for the remainder of his playing days.<\/p>\n

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10. Blake Griffin<\/h2>\n photo by Stephen Dunn\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Amazing athletic gifts, a passion for the game and a competitive edge like no other made Michael Jordan the best player to ever play the game, but his dunking ability gets much credit for his fan favorite status and “Air” nickname. While the JB roster has had its share of stars, Blake Griffin<\/strong> is the best high-wire act to ever join the brand. His endorsement added huge credibility to their “This Is Flight” campaign, while bringing new cool factor with young fans.<\/p>\n

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9. Richard Hamilton<\/h2>\n photo by Jim Rogash\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Before the Bobcats<\/del> Hornets\u00a0were earning endorsements from Jordan, Richard Hamilton<\/strong> was playing his way into Js in Washington. Rip reaped the early benefits of Michael’s involvement with the Wizards, getting picked up by JB early on and getting seeded retros such as the “Cool Grey” 11s prior to launch date. While Bulls like Ron Harper, Scottie Pippen, and others occasionally laced up Air Jordans, Hamilton was the first and only active teammate of MJ to be signed under his brand umbrella.<\/p>\n

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8. Maya Moore<\/h2>\n photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Maya Moore<\/strong> made history in 2011 by becoming the first female basketball player to sign with Jordan Brand. Though JB has produced women’s models and colorways in the past, they’ve never had an on-court endorser. Moore has proved an awesome selection, winning Rookie of the Year honors, two WNBA Championships and an Olympic Gold Medal since her pro debut.<\/p>\n

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7. Jabari Parker<\/h2>\n photo by Grant Halverson\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Jordan Brand has made an effort\u00a0to get younger over the course of the past few seasons, padding their roster with an array of rookies. While select lottery picks have done their thing, rocking signature and team takes on the regular, none carry the star power or perceived potential of Jabari Parker<\/strong>. Parker’s impressive play at Duke, high profile high school career and track record as a sneakerhead make his on court endorsement of new Jordan releases as important if not more important than anyone else on the current roster. Will Jabari juice the AJ XX9 all rookie season or mix Melos and retros into his rotation? Only time will tell, but you can bet fans will be paying close attention.<\/p>\n

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6. Russell Westbrook<\/h2>\n photo by Ronald Martinez\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Russell Westbrook<\/strong> is a star that sees no limit to his potential. His\u00a0acquisition by Jordan Brand added excitement to the roster in the form of bouncy guard play and new-age fashion edge. The Thunder appear to be a title contender for years to come, giving Jordan Brand a rolling chance at product placement on the game’s biggest stage. An eyewear endorsement\u00a0proved one of the most creative extensions of the brand yet, while Russ’ on-court debuts of both the Air Jordan XX8 and Air Jordan XX9 place him as one of the most prominent players on JB today.<\/p>\n

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5. Chris Paul<\/h2>\n photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images via Zimbio<\/a>\n

Growing up an AJ fan, Chris Paul<\/strong> became the first point guard to receive a signature shoe on Jordan Brand. His impressive play has helped bolster an extensive line and his relocation to LA has made him one of the hottest names in pro hoops. Throw in product placement in State Farm commercials, and CP3 is bringing JB to a whole new audience while embodying the talent and passion at the heart of the brand.<\/p>\n

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4. Quentin Richardson & Darius Miles<\/h2>\n