He hasn’t even been in the league two full seasons yet and New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has already secured his first signatory shoe.
The 2019 No. 1 overall pick is one of Jordan Brand’s most high-profile athletes and Williamson’s new sneaker, the “Zion 1” was unveiled on Tuesday.
The sneaker will hit retailers in four unique colorways.
Zion Williamson's first signature shoe is here https://t.co/iRBl0CDyNV pic.twitter.com/3xXBtbYWR7
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) April 20, 2021
Zion, who appeared in the All-Star Game this season, is having a spectacular campaign as the face of the Pelicans franchise, averaging (25.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game).
Williamson has donned the New Orleans-inspired colorways of the Air Jordan 34 in his first two seasons but now has his own signature model.
The sneaker made its long-awaited debut in a video released by Jordan Brand starring Williamson and his younger brother, Noah. Noah played a huge role in the inspiration behind the signature shoe.
Lost for words, Zion did have this to say:
“Words can’t really explain it. As a kid, you dream and say it just to put it in the atmosphere ‘like hey I want my own signature shoe.’ But as you get older you see how tough it is to get your own signature shoe.”
Zion enters rare air with his first signature shoe 🌟 @brkicks
He’s now only the fourth active Jordan Brand athlete with this honor pic.twitter.com/wtRVIaYW6q
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 20, 2021
“Things have to really go your way and I just wanna thank Jordan Brand for the opportunity because I don’t believe it’s hit me as of yet.”
The culmination of his supernatural game coupled with his humble, and down-to-earth personality are a match made in sneaker heaven.
The first four colorways of the Zion 1 include the Gen Zion, the cosmetic inspired ZNA, Noah, which is a color pattern dedicated to Zion’s sibling. The last colorway pays homage to his hometown of Marion, South Carolina.
Williamson originally signed with Jordan Brand prior to the 2019 NBA Draft. His contract was for 7 years and $75 million, and the contract would pay the former Duke star approximately $10.7 million per year. Zion will earn just over $20 million during his first two seasons with the Pelicans after they made him the top overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Official look at @Zionwilliamson's first signature shoe with @Jumpman23 – The Zion 1
Four colorways: ZNA, Noah, Marion and Gen Zion https://t.co/sDW5tjlU7S pic.twitter.com/uv7NUeFXAy
— Jarrel (@_JarrelHarris) April 20, 2021
Nawlins holds club options for the athletic specimen’s third and fourth seasons, which I’m pretty sure the franchise will exercise. He’s worth too much to the franchise, regardless of how well he plays.
The powerful, nimble, quick-jumping, rim-rocking Williamson will become a free agent after the 2023-24 season, If he signs an extension with the Pelicans, his deal with Jordan Brand will run through the entirety of his rookie deal, which would line Williamson up to negotiate a new apparel contract prior to entering free agency.
