Aaron Hope 
The original and most easily recognizable colorway of the Nike Air Max Penny 1 is dubbed ‘Orlando Magic’. That’s where Anfernee ‘Penny’ Hardaway’s NBA career got off to such a brilliant start that Nike was set to have him assume the torch Michael Jordan so admirably carried. But MJ came back and his Bulls swept the Magic the same year the Penny 1 debuted, leaving Michael back on top and Penny looking down the barrel of a series of knee injuries. Somewhat saddening, but that’s the Penny Hardaway story: a super-elite talent who had the world’s most powerful marketing at his back that simply couldn’t stay healthy.
Penny played stints in New York and Miami, but his first post-Magic team was the Phoenix Suns. And with this Air Penny 1 colorway, it wouldn’t be any more obvious they’re shouting out that period of his career if they were being worn by the Suns’ gorilla mascot, as Charles Barkely already cemented the meaning of a black basketball shoe with purple accents. These look to be a dope edition to the Penny retro legacy, so click below to see more shots and stick with Sneaker News for more in advance of next year’s release. via MN
