On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Nike and Vanessa Bryant have worked together to re-release Kobe Bryant's most popular retro basketball shoes in new and OG colorways. Some of the Los Angeles Lakers legend's most eye-catching kicks are returning just in time for Spring.
Initially released in January 2015, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite High "What the Kobe?" is making its official comeback as part of the "Protro" series.
That means minor performance tech upgrades while remaining true to the original. Below is a detailed look at official images and a breakdown of shopping information for next week's highly anticipated release.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro is dropping in the "What the Kobe?" colorway at 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, May 21.
Online shoppers can buy the Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro "What the Kobe?" in adult ($240) and big kid ($140) sizing exclusively on the Nike SNKRS app and select boutiques.
These flashy hoop shoes will sell out quickly online, so many fans will have to pay above the retail price on trusted sneaker resale websites like eBay, StockX, and GOAT.
The "What the Kobe?" colorway was originally designed as part of Nike's "What the" series of signature sneakers. This version was a vibrant collage of colorways from previous Nike Kobe 9 releases.
The product description says the silhouette features "White, Reflective Silver, Chlorine Blue, and Black." However, by looking closely, pieces from other colorways will become visible.
Even better, the hits of Reflective Silver on the Nike Swoosh logos and lacing system shine bright in the darkness. Kobe's signature and logo provide the finishing touches to the design.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro features modest performance tech upgrades. The Nike React midsole means more responsiveness on the court.
The already-legendary traction pattern foot has been adjusted with a new exterior grip. The Flyknit upper remains the same for a seamless, lightweight feel.
Of course, the most notable part of the shoe's design is the high ankle collar. Kobe drew inspiration for the high-tops from watching Manny Pacquiao's boxing in person. This was a strong departure from the low-top sneaker revolution Kobe helped usher in during the height of his career.
Unlike many recent releases from the Nike Kobe line, this drop will not include any additional laces or accessories. That is disheartening for athletes and fans paying a hefty price tag.
Nevertheless, it is exciting that one of the most exciting colorways in the entire Nike Kobe sneaker catalog is making a comeback. There should be more information on the number of units produced as we get closer to the official release day.
Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all of your most important footwear news from the sports world and beyond.
More Kobe Bryant Sneakers News
Vanessa Bryant shared pictures of the Nike Kobe 9 EXT High "Vino" colorway.
Caitlin Clark Returns to Iowa in the Nike Kobe 5 "Bruce Lee" colorway.
Caitlin Clark wore her upcoming Nike Kobe sneakers at Indiana Fever Media Day.
Jalen Brunson unveiled the Nike Kobe 5 Protro "WTR" colorway.
Curveball: The Nike Kobe 6 "Dodgers" release date has been delayed.
More must-reads:
- Celtics' moves suggest new guard will be traded — eventually
- How Giants' Malik Nabers has grown while working with Russell Wilson
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Damian Lillard’s agent takes a shot at the Bucks
Damian Lillard’s agent took an apparent shot at the Milwaukee Bucks following the star guard’s return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard’s longtime agent Aaron Goodwin suggested that Lillard’s failure to perform to his peak abilities in Milwaukee had to do with the team’s system. Goodwin suggested that the Bucks did not play to Lillard’s strengths, and that he sacrificed for the good of the team. “He never really had an opportunity to play as he has played the first 12 years of his career,” Goodwin told Jamal Collier of ESPN. “He played to win in the system that he was in.” Lillard’s scoring numbers did drop after being traded to Milwaukee, but that was inevitable now that he was sharing the stage with Giannis Antetokounmpo. In two seasons with the Bucks, he still averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, but the Bucks never quite meshed as a unit. His latest severe injury ultimately gave the Bucks reason to move on as they try to maximize their championship window. Based on Lillard’s reaction to being waived by the Bucks, it is pretty clear that he never completely settled into Milwaukee. His move back to Portland, in that context, may not be all that surprising after all.
Sophie Cunningham, Sparks HC react to third incident of object tossed onto court
Over the past couple of years, the WNBA has seen a major uptick in ratings and overall fan engagement. Unfortunately, that has also come with negative attention. It may have reached a new low, as there have now been three separate incidents in which a fan has thrown a sex toy on the court. This time, it nearly hit Indiana Fever veteran Sophie Cunningham during a matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday. Cunningham had already joked about it on social media, and given her outspoken nature and reputation as a bit of an instigator, she didn't shy away from it: She also laughed it up on her Instagram story: Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts, however, didn't think it was a laughing matter. Following the game, she put the fans on blast for their "stupid" behavior. "It's ridiculous. It's dumb. It's stupid," Roberts said, per Yahoo Sports. "It's also dangerous, and you know, player safety is No. 1, respecting the game, all those things. I think it's really stupid." There's no place for any of this in sports, much less in women's sports. The league needs to crack down on this and take the necessary measures to prevent it from happening ever again. The WNBA is finally thriving after years of surviving, and while the fans will eventually grow to respect the product, not all publicity is good publicity.
Jerry Jones takes another jab at Micah Parsons over contract stalemate
The Dallas Cowboys have a big problem on their hands right now. Micah Parsons has formally requested to be traded, and he took to social media to vent his concerns and frustration with his contract extension situation. However, team owner Jerry Jones isn't ready to budge. If anything, the controversial business mogul doesn't sound too worried about that. Talking to the media, he implied that he had already shaken hands on an extension with Parsons, so he just has to wait now: "I bought the Dallas Cowboys with a handshake," Jones said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "It took about 30 seconds. I gave the number, shook hands, the details we worked out later." Jones, one of the most successful businessmen of his generation, pretty much stated that he wouldn't change the way he does business. "Just so you understand the way that I communicate with people that I negotiate with. Let's leave it at that," Jones continued. "There's is no question that in the case of a player contract, you have to have it in writing. All parties do. We have a contract in writing, yet we're still talking about renegotiating, so so much for that." Parsons has every right to feel frustrated. He's one of the best pass-rushers in the game, and he's the youngest in the short list of superstars at the position. The Cowboys have a long history of dragging out negotiations for as long as they can, and that's usually rubbed their players the wrong way. Parsons is still under contract, and the Cowboys can technically wait to give him an extension because the market isn't likely to go any higher after T.J. Watt already got a deal done. But sometimes, it's not just about money, and these power struggles are terrible for team morale.
Green Bay Packers: Slo-Mo Video of Jordan Love’s Insane 55-Yard TD Bomb to Romeo Doubs Goes Viral
Oilers' new signing ranked among NHL's worst contracts
Despite boasting a core of elite contracts that include Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, the Edmonton Oilers saw their overall contract value rankings take a hit in a recent article by The Athletic. Dom Luszczyszyn looks at every team and its contract situations each season. The Oilers ranked 8th overall, but that dropped them down the standings, largely due to the new eight-year, $3.9 million AAV deal handed to forward Trent Frederic. In a recent analysis evaluating NHL contract efficiency, Frederic’s deal earned a D-grade — one of the lowest marks handed out — alongside the much-maligned Darnell Nurse contract. He was signed to the new deal this offseason after arriving to the Oilers via a trade at the deadline. Injured, but in the lineup for the playoffs, he wasn’t exactly the most effective forward. The Oilers believe he has a lot more to give and GM Stan Bowman bet on the forward. Frederic’s extension, which carries a modest annual cap hit but stretches through 2033, is projected to offer just a +20.1% positive value while delivering a -$15.2 million total surplus over its duration. Frederic’s ranking is particularly glaring when placed next to the six A-grade contracts on the Oilers’ books. No other forward has a grade lower than a C. The team also has four different A-grades, an A for McDavid and an A+ for Draisaitl. Combined with team-friendly deals for stars like McDavid and Draisaitl, Edmonton remains one of the league’s most efficient teams in terms of contract value. Will the Oilers shed either of these bad contracts? According to this ranking, Frederic and Nurse deals are two glaring liabilities. Don’t expect the Oilers to move off either contract anytime soon. Bowman said of the Frederic deal: “…he’s a very unique player with the skillset that he has. He’s a big guy, he’s a physical player, he’s not afraid. He’s got that intimidation factor where he’ll go to the other team’s bench and challenge anybody, like stop messing around with our group. That’s something that I find, you either have that or you don’t. … And he’s scored, you know, he scored what, 18 goals twice in a row at a fairly young, younger age. So I think he’s got the game in him. And I think when you add all that up, it comes down to he’s a very unique player. It’s not like if we passed on Frederic, we’ll just go get so-and-so, who’s maybe a little different, but the same type of player. Not a lot of guys like that out there. They just aren’t anymore.” As for Nurse, there was talk that the Oilers approached him and others about their no-move clauses, and Nurse declined to waive his. The hope is that he elevates his game, and with the rising salary cap, his deal doesn’t look like such an albatross. With several key contracts set to expire soon — including McDavid’s — and questions lingering around term for others, the Oilers need to be cautious with long-term commitments. As it stands, the Frederic deal is a warning sign that not every extension is created equal, even on a Cup-contending roster.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
