Nike Basketball Unveils “Play For The Future” Collection Ahead Of NBA All-Star Game 2021

Since at least September 2019, NIKE, Inc. has been on a mission to “move to zero” carbon emissions, waste and other detrimental-to-the-environment practices. Although the North American sportswear conglomerate has made strides across its manufacturing arms and office spaces, its footwear and apparel has also joined the fight for sustainability. Most recently, Nike Basketball has addressed this growing commitment from the Swoosh to planet Earth via the “Play For The Future” collection, which features nature-inspired takes on LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George‘s signature sneakers.

Four of the five pairs will arrive to Nike.com on March 7th to coincide with the 70th NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta; Antetokounmpo’s proposition will hit retailers on March 12th.

Captain of his own squad for the upcoming event, James has imagined his LeBron 18 as a physical manifestation of the clean, unpolluted air he hopes every athlete has access to breathing now and in the future. FlyKnit construction throughout the upper indulges in a “White” composition, while molded heel structures and tooling underfoot boast a semi-translucent “Blue Tint” finish. The rear-half of the shoe and airbags on the tongue introduce a multi-color arrangement.

Back like he never left, Durant has looked to the future for the inspiration behind his next KD 13. The pair’s “Platinum Tint,” “Barely Volt” and “Pulse Blue” color palette nods to what @easymoneysniper believes represents the clean electric energy that’ll power tomorrow’s world. Outsoles accompanying the full-length Zoom Airbag strobel
indulge in one of the most mesmerizing finishes seen from Nike Basketball in quite some time.

Since returning to the League after a handful of games missed, Irving has become one of the most exciting parts of the current NBA landscape. Unsurprisingly, the Brooklyn Nets guard has brought his on-court flair to the Kyrie 7, which has assumed a colorway, graphics and branding inspired by his plant-based diet. (Peep the sprouted “KI” logo on the heel.)

Antetokounmpo’s Zoom Freak 2 has taken a break from ensembles inspired by the Greek phenom’s life in favor of an eye-catching, message-driven style. Purple and neon green convey the message that the more one recycles, the more good fortunate is reciprocated.

Vocal about his love for the great outdoors, George has dipped his PG 5 in colors reminiscent of the rivers and lakes he’s visited throughout his life. Detailing across the sneaker further drives the aquatic theme home, which George chose to stress as he hopes to help preserve such an important resource (especially for his beloved pastime of fishing).