{"id":460312,"date":"2015-08-13T18:06:33","date_gmt":"2015-08-13T22:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=460312"},"modified":"2022-09-17T13:35:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-17T18:35:42","slug":"nike-zoom-kobe-ii-throwback-thursday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/nike-zoom-kobe-ii-throwback-thursday\/","title":{"rendered":"Nike Zoom Kobe II \/\/ Throwback Thursday"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Team USA Men’s National Team takes part in mini-camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, plenty of hoops enthusiasts are enamored with the “fantasy” like atmosphere by the world’s finest teaming up for intra-squad competition. As the notable silhouettes and PEs get unveiled in the Nevada desert, our latest edition of Snkrs Day Throwback Thursday<\/strong> features a player and a silhouette that took part in a similar USA teamed function of years past in Kobe Bryant and the Nike Zoom Kobe II<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Detailing the history of the model as well as the Kobe signature line leading up to the Nike Zoom Kobe II, this latest edition of #TBT<\/em> is certainly worth the look.<\/p>\n

After the video above, flip through the pages below to enjoy additional history of the aforementioned silo.<\/p>\n

Early History & adidas Lineage<\/h2>\n

Fresh off of several state titles with Lower Merion High School, prep phenom\u00a0Kobe Bryant would declare for the 1996 NBA Draft. As draft night approached plenty speculated on whether or not Kobe would be a top-ten pick. All in all, Bryant would fall to number 13 and be selected by the Charlotte Hornets. Due to a legendary pre-draft workout with then Lakers GM Jerry West, the Los Angeles Lakers would swap their starting center in Vlade Divac for the aforementioned Bryant subsequently altering the history of both franchises.<\/p>\n

With his lucrative adidas deal intact upon his arrival into the NBA, Bryant would go on to become one of the premier faces within the association; tallying numerous All-Star appearances and three consecutive NBA titles. In addition, Bryant would unveil his very own signature line with adidas as well.<\/p>\n

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Sneaker Free Agency<\/h2>\n

After a six year run with adidas that saw Bryant receive his very own signature line as well as capture three NBA titles, Mr.Bryant became a “free agent” of sorts, as he spent the 2002-2003 campaign as a sneaker free agent<\/em>, donning a variety of different models ranging from notable Air Jordan PEs to Iverson signatures. Bryant would eventually find his way to Nike as the stellar guard would help lead the charge and usher in a new wave of Nike Basketball products.<\/p>\n

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Tumultuous Beginning<\/h2>\n

Fresh off of inking a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, the relationship between Bryant\u00a0and the aforementioned footwear brand would be tested beyond belief as the charges of Sexual Assault would loom over Bryant during the Summer of 2003; a charge in which would be ultimately dismissed. With much speculation incurring that the Nike Air Huarache 2K4 was truly meant for Bryant, his debut signature line would not be unveiled until the 2005-2006 season with the Nike Zoom Kobe 1.<\/p>\n

With its minimalistic design and yet innovative performance features, the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 would help Bryant amass one of his finest statistical performances as his notable outings of 81 points and 62 point in three quarters will forever live in NBA lore.<\/p>\n

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Nike Zoom Kobe II<\/h2>\n

The Nike Zoom Kobe II was a slim and angular model designed by Ken Link who has worked with the likes of Darrelle Revis and Johnny Manziel. Incorporating a single-layer construction the Nike Zoom Kobe II boosts performance functionality through its light weight feel and added flexibility through a series of targeted support panels.<\/p>\n

In addition, the aforementioned model was the first Nike Basketball model to be stitched together instead of constructed with chemical bonding, which reduced wasted and eliminated chemical toxins. The silhouette also employs Nike Zoom Air throughout the outsole and released in a variety of versions.<\/p>\n

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2006-2007 Season & Team USA<\/h2>\n

With the NBA unveiling a new basketball at the start of the 2006-2007 season, Kobe Bryant unveiled two new things himself as a new number canvassed his chest and his new signature model graced his feet as the Nike Zoom Kobe II would be introduced. Coming off of a successful opening model to his line, Bryant would have his second successful scoring season by turing in an average of 31.6 points per game, along with dropping 40 or more points over fifteen times that season. Bryant even laced up the model during the trial runs for the “Redeem Team” in order to prepare for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.<\/p>\n

In addition, Bryant would capture MVP honors during the 2007 All-Star game in which he rocked the stellar “All-Star” PE of his Nike Zoom Kobe II model, Bryant would score 31 points in a resounding victory for the Western Conference.<\/p>\n