New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson is yet to play a single minute of NBA basketball. However, Nike knows a star when they see one.
They tapped the former Duke Blue Devil to help release Air Jordan XXXIV earlier in Harlem, New York. In his brief visit, the Pelicans rookie threw down some mean dunks that will become the standard once he enters the league.
Zion is putting on a show in the just-debuted Air Jordan 34 😤 pic.twitter.com/ISFD8HaCte
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 7, 2019
Zion in Harlem – @Jumpman23 pic.twitter.com/wWE36SzVOc
— Jarrel (@_JarrelHarris) September 7, 2019
For what it's worth though, here are some images of the Air Jordan XXXIV which is set to be released on September 25.
Air Jordan XXXIV "Blue Void" releases September 25th -> https://t.co/wU2LNt52o3 pic.twitter.com/FijTqQWtGJ
— J23 iPhone App (@J23app) September 7, 2019
Jordan 34 official look
September 25th https://t.co/E4a2nkqEPw pic.twitter.com/aimvcVPjid
— J23 iPhone App (@J23app) September 7, 2019
Williamson and Nike's Jordan Brand agreed to a shoe endorsement deal last July. According to reports, the deal is worth $75 million over five years — the richest annual rookie shoe deal in NBA history.
Some critics may feel like Zion is getting too big of a deal too soon. However, as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, it's a risk Nike is willing to take.
In fact, Williamson has already proven that he can sell shoes. A pair of Williamson's game-worn Kyrie 5s went for $20,000 in an August auction. While these shoes aren't the slickest pair Nike has in their arsenal, the fact that a fan was willing shell out an exorbitant amount for a piece of shoe history is a testament to Zion's selling power.
Williamson was an outstanding player during his time in Duke. He averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in his 33 starts for Duke. Fans will expect similar numbers out of the Pelicans rookie once the NBA season begins.
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