The 2015/2016 NBA season just kicked off and we take a close look at what the superstars have been wearing on-court during week 1. Saturday was Halloween, of course, so we saw a lot of pumpkin themed and spooky sneakers, for example in the form of the Adidas “Ballin’ Dead” pack. But we start off with what might just be the weirdest footwear choice in NBA history.
Thabo Sefolosha just came off a bad injury. You might remember the crazy story that led to him having a broken leg and torn ligaments and missing the rest of the season including the playoffs. After a night out with his teammate Pero Antic at a club in New York Thabo was brutally beaten by NYPD officers. Sefolosha’s side of the story was only recently fully revealed by GQ. So while he didn’t injure his leg on the court his current sneaker choice is still quite odd. The Atlanta Hawks wingman is playing in the Nike Air Max 1 Mid. While this is a revamped version of the iconic running silhouette introduced around a year ago, it still builds upon technology that is 30 years old. You might argue that players wearing Jordan retros today is not much different but then again those were at least specifically designed for playing basketball (scroll down for some good examples). Surely, the Air Max 1 is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time and wearing them definitely earns Thabo some style points but nevertheless we wouldn’t really recommend you to use them on the basketball court.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 27: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2015 at Philips Center in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 18: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on October 18, 2015 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 16: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks is fouled by Raymond Felton #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game at American Airlines Center on October 16, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 30: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates a play with Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 30, 2015 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
If you really wanna go with an Air Max, we suggest you pick up the Nike Air Max Audacity. We said it last week and we’ll probably say it a couple of hundred times more during the course of the season: It’s incredible how Anthony Davis performs in these relatively affordable basketball performance shoes. They definitely work for him and you should give them a shot as well. Check out some images of his halloween themed PEs below.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during the game on October 31, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the game on October 31, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes for the lay up against the Golden State Warriors during the game on October 31, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: A detailed view of the Nike sneakers worn by Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a game against the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Sticking with pumpkin orange Lance Stephenson broke out some hot AND1 Tai Chi PEs. After a mostly disappointing stint with the Hornets it looks like the former Big East Rookie of the Year is back to former strength with the Los Angeles Clippers. At least, he’s already back in the NBA highlight reel.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 31: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 31, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 31: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers is introduced before the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 31, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 31: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes up for a dunk against the Sacramento Kings on October 31, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
There were some question marks behind what Russell Westbrook’s performance would look like with Kevin Durant returning to full strength. As it turned out, the doubters were proven wrong and Russ is on fire. He played in a halloween-themed orange as well as a black version of the Air Jordan XX9.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 1: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during the game on November 1, 2015 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 01: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder before the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 01, 2015 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on October 30, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
Last up in the orange section is Brooklyn Nets guard Shane Larkin. His PE of the Nike Hyperquickness 2015 was fire!
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 31: Shane Larkin #0 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, 2015 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 31: Shane Larkin #0 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, 2015 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
James Harden was a bit rusty at the start of the season but on Monday night he dropped 37 points against the OKC Thunder and you can be sure that he won’t stop at that. After signing with Adidas his favorite basketball shoe has become the 2015 Crazylight Boost …
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 01: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball up the floor during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on November 1, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 01: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat posts up James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during a game at American Airlines Arena on November 1, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
… which is very popular among other NBA players as well. The combination of boost cushioning with Primeknit upper delivers exactly what quick guards are looking for in a basketball shoe. Both the Low as well as the Mid version are worn by the likes of Jeremy Lin (who’s watched way too much Dragon Ball Z), Austin Rivers (job description: coach’s son) and Eric Gordon.
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 30: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on October 30, 2015 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 30: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on October 30, 2015 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 30: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on October 30, 2015 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 31: Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 31, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Eric Gordon #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots against Eric Gordon #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game on October 31, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 31: Eric Gordon #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes for the lay up against Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors during the game on October 31, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
John Wall is a step ahead of James Harden in that he already has his own signature shoe. The second version, Adidas J Wall 2, just came out and last week he was playing in the halloween colorway from the “Ballin’ Dead” pack.
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the game on October 31, 2015 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball New York Knicks during the game on October 31, 2015 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against the New York Knicks during the game on October 31, 2015 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the New York Knicks during the second half at Verizon Center on October 31, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards before the game on October 31, 2015 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 31: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots between Robin Lopez #8 and Jose Calderon #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Verizon Center on October 31, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard did the same thing, wearing his Adidas D Lillard “Ballin’ Dead” while taking on the Phoenix Suns. As the only superstar remaining in Portland he carries the weight of the whole franchise on his shoulders. So far, he delivers.
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns during a game on October 31, 2015 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes for the lay up against Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the game on October 31, 2015 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 31: Ronnie Price #14 of the Phoenix Suns defends the basket against the Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game on October 31, 2015 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards during a game on October 31, 2015 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
We’ve seen some truly great sneakers but the style award for week 1 goes to DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie wore the Air Jordan 2 Retro OG. Not sure if the LA Clippers-style jerseys in light blue, white and red helped them win against the Lakers. But it’s gotta be the shoes though, right?!
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings in action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: A close up of the Nike shoes worn by DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings goes up for a shot against Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings go for a loose ball at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Last but not least, we have Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson as an honorable mention. He broke out the “Cool Grey” Air Jordan IX against the Indiana Pacers.
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors reacts to a call by the referee during the NBA season opener against the Indiana Pacers at Air Canada Centre on October 28, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: James Johnson #3 of the Toronto Raptors warms up prior to the NBA season opener against the Indiana Pacers at Air Canada Centre on October 28, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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