Russell Westbrook is coming off not only an MVP season and a delightful summer after the team made key acquisitions to provide his support, but he also netted the most lucrative contract in sneaker history by inking a 10-year pact with Jordan Brand.
While Westbrook has slowly come into the forefront of the brand, becoming the modern face under the well-known Jumpman logo, he's yet to have a signature sneaker, often wearing customized versions of the latest Air Jordan models and some retro editions released throughout the year.
This 10-year extension is a loud and clear statement propelling him to be the face of the brand after silently doing so over the last couple of years and while he's much overdue for his own pair of signature kicks, it could take more than one season for him to get them.
“In terms of the timeline, an off-court shoe can come together in as much as eight to 12 months, eight to 14 months, just because you're kind of putting some panels together and there's not as much tech,” ESPN sneaker insider Nick DePaula told Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman. “When you're dealing with an on-court shoe — and of all the players in the league, Russ is one of the most particular. Even last year, his shoe was heavily modified from what was at retail just based on his preferences. It won't be this season. I think it'll take at least 12 to 18 months.”
Westbrook has had plenty of player edition models since 2013 when he first signed with the brand. The triple-double machine was invited to the unveiling of the Air Jordan XX8, later making a custom colorway for the Oklahoma City Thunder star, which became the most popular iteration of the shoe.
But as one of the most explosive and dynamic players on the court, it'll require a detailed approach in terms of technology and even much more attention to the style of the shoe, as Westbrook has been known as a trendsetter and fashion icon of his own right.
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