Signature shoes are a staple of the NBA but they are now becoming more common among all-stars as Gordon Hayward and Donovan Mitchell joined the list of athletes with their own shoe available to fans and players alike. Signature shoe deals are often given to superstars, game changers and rising stars. The Denver Nuggets are home to a few of those types of players. Denver often is overlooked as a team and a few of their players are being overlooked as signature athletes.
The first and rather obvious athlete on the Nuggets that deserves a signature shoe is Jamal Murray. Jamal Murray is not a better player than Jokic; however, Jamal brings the personality and attitude that is needed to grow ones’ brand of a shoe. To put it frankly, Jamal gets buckets and bucket getters sell shoes. James Harden, Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, Carmelo, Jordan, Kobe and many more top basketball players got buckets and sold shoes. Jamal’s fiery, exciting style of play along with his sweet, smooth jumper makes for a very marketable signature shoe. Jamal is often hated already by the Lakers and Celtics fan bases which I believe would still help Jamal’ brand. The ideas and opportunities of colorways for his shoes are endless. Jamal already has a nickname, celebration and phrase that would pair well with the creative designs that Adidas often produces. The "Be more" shoes or "Blue arrow 1’s" would fly off the shelves in Denver. I know I would buy too many pairs.
The second player that deserves a signature shoe is Nikola Jokic. The Joker deserves a shoe because he’s an MVP candidate and a once in a generation playmaking center. Nikola does not carry the same fiery, bucket getting personality of Jamal; however, his easygoing, fun style of play is marketable as well. I believe his shoe and brand would have to be marketed as a mix of Donovan Mitchell and Kawhi Leonard’s signature shoe campaigns. Donovan Mitchell’s brand leaves heavy into the nickname to foster creative colorways and excitement from fans. Kawhi Leonard’s brand leans heavy into his rather introverted personality for a superstar. Nike would need to lean into The Joker theme while incorporating Jokic’s fun humor and laid back personality! I would love to see a line of shoes inspired by the various Joker characters in film for Jokic to wear much like the D.O.N. issue 1 did with Spiderman. A Caesar Romero colorway based off the 60’s Batman could be a fun, bright shoe compared to a Heath Ledger colorway that may be a darker road colorway. Lastly, a "Dream Catcher PE" (player edition) would be spectacular to see! Jokic’s signature shoe would sell well not only in Denver but in Serbia as well which would make for a profitable endeavor for Nike. The one hiccup may be that Jokic may not have the strongest interest in a signature shoe as showcased in the rather humorous video of Torrey Craig and Nikola comparing shoe collections. Jokic appears to prefer the simple shoes and simple pregame "fits," another reason his everyman nature is reinforced and adored by fans. Hopefully Nike eventually realizes the opportunities that lie in a Nikola Jokic signature shoe.
The third player that could eventually secure a signature shoe on the Nuggets is Michael Porter Jr. He is a perfect fit for a signature shoe if he reaches his full potential. The reason MPJ could do this is because of the brand he signed with. Puma recently rejoined the basketball shoe community and is slowly building its brand back up. This pairs well with an athlete who hopefully successfully overcomes a long hiatus due to injury. MPJ could lean into the comeback mentality that puma leans into now. MPJ’s young, explosive Durantesque style of play would be very marketable to the next generation of basketball players and fans. An MPJ signature shoe would be exciting and rewarding for Michael, his family and Denver. Although, I’ll settle for Michael Porter Jr. being a starting caliber forward in Denver first.
Lastly, a few outliers on the Nuggets roster that would definitely be able to sell and rock a signature shoe are Gary Harris and Bol Bol. Gary Harris could eventually earn a signature deal with an international brand like Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward did with Anta. This would obviously require the Nuggets to rise in worldwide attention and fandom along with an all-star appearance or two from Gary Harris. Bol Bol’s popularity as a 44th overall pick that was traded for cash considerations gives me confidence that some brand will take a chance on a signature shoe down the road. If Overtime or a House Of Highlights ever created a signature shoe or shoe collaboration Bol Bol would be a premier athlete to lead that type of shoe.
The Denver Nuggets are overflowing with talent and two legit stars. Hopefully this results in a signature shoe and player brands flourishing as the Nuggets on court success increases.
Vote below on which Nuggets’ player signature shoe you would like to see!
