Aaron Hope 
Part of what attracted Michael Jordan to Nike over his earlier preference for a contract with adidas was the notion that His Airness could become a global brand, transcending the Swoosh with his own Wings logo. The Air Jordan IX gave us the first look at what a post-retirement release might look like, and with the league’s reigning seven-time defending scoring champion (seven in a row!) on the sidelines, his Bulls looked to a new leader.
In reality, this role was filled by Scottie Pippen, who led Chicago to 55 wins and another playoff appearance. Annual title expectations had many Bulls fans imagining the Jumpman once again, but with Jordan himself busy playing baseball, Nike had to get creative with his on-court appearances. A mysterious amalamation somewhere between Superman’s Clark Kent and the Leroy Smith character Charlie Murphy would bring to life fifteen years later, Johnny Kilroy rocked the number ‘4’ and the Air Jordan 9 and even had his own Upper Deck trading card. Now ‘he’ has his own Nine ‘PE’ complete with personalized heel and inner tongue embroidery set to arrive on the 19th anniversary of MJ’s abrupt retirement. Be sure to stick with Sneaker News for updates in the meantime, and those lucky individuals who wear and/or collect size 9s can find this pair available early from digioaux on eBay.
Air Jordan IX ‘Johnny Kilroy’
Black/Metallic Platinum-Gym Red
302370-012
10/06/12
$160
