Wilbon: What can you tell me about the colors of this launch colorway of the KD VI?
KD: When I was growing up, we were the Seat Pleasant Lakers. Obviously, I don't like the Lakers now [laughs], so they actually changed the colors here a few years back. It was purple and gold, and they had to get rid of that. So they changed the colors of the gym to this yellow and teal, and I just wanted something to represent where I came from, where I learned the game and where it all started. They do such a great job of telling stories through footwear, and it was unbelievable how this one came out. I was excited when I seen it, and I'm sure people will appreciate it when they see it.
Wilbon: With you guys taking so much inspiration from Seat Pleasant for this shoe, if you guys could bring some new stories to life, what might they be?
KD: Hmm. I have so many. I want to bring a story of me and my brother as kids, how we would do everything together. We would catch the bus in the mornings, he would drop me off first to make sure I was ok, and then he would go to school. He took care of me while my mom was working all the time. Somehow, we're going to bring that to life in a shoe, cause it meant so much to me as a kid growing up, and I really appreciate it now. He almost raised me too. There's a small piece of something that I'm sure Leo is going to find.
LC: I'm on it!
[everyone laughs]
KD: We'll see how that works. [laughs]
Wilbon: What other colors can we look for in the coming months?
LC: Well, many people probably know that on the KD IV, we started with a pretty cool story around “The Weatherman.” That was during the lockout, and we asked him, “If you weren't playing basketball, what would you be?” And he said, “A weatherman.” So, we thought that was pretty funny, and on the KD IV we told that story. This time around, we wanted to have a little different take on that, and not just use the same colors and the same graphics. We wanted to make sure we were evolving with him and his style. He's growing up before everyone's eyes and he's matured, so we looked at this as more of a grown man's “Weatherman” shoe.
One of my favorites is also the Maryland Pre-heat, and the whole idea around this one is how with precision watches you can see inside to the inner workings of it. Our graphic designer Erick Goto did his thing on this one, and you can really see this cool grey map of Maryland underneath, inside of the shoe. Then, there's these translucent layers of materials over it and this timewarp graphic over it.
Audience: What is one of your favorite memories from playing here at Seat Pleasant?
KD: One of my favorite memories had to be my first game as an 8 year-old. I was so nervous to play, and I didn't know what to expect. Playing organized basketball was the funnest part, cause I was playing with my friends and I enjoyed playing on a team. It's where I really first started to learn the game of basketball in an organized setting, and it propelled me to where I am today and I'm never going to forget it.
Audience: When you signed with Nike, did you ever think that your signature shoe line would become as popular as it has?
KD: Well, I knew that everything would feed off of my play on the court. That's one thing I just really tried to focus on, was coming out and being a great basketball player first, and then everything else was going to follow. I think I got pretty good style and I know what I like in my shoes and I know what's comfortable to me. I think people are starting to gravitate to it, and Nike does such a great job of letting me focus on basketball and they take care of everything on the shoes. We come together so well and make a product.
Audience: How much practice time did you have in this shoe before you approved it, and what did you notice about the shoe from the first time you wore it?
KD: We cleared it to go awhile ago, and I've been playing in them since the season ended and I fell in love with it. I've been working out in it and playing in it every single time and I'm ready to roll. I'm looking forward to playing in it during the season and hopefully I'll be able to see some other guys wearing it as well.
Wilbon: How different is it from the previous one?
KD: The lower cut is different, but it feels lighter than my other shoes too. That's what I always tell Leo, is that I want to feel like a point guard and be able to run and jump and play my game comfortably.
Wilbon: Style is something that's important now in the NBA. Especially for you and your teammate Russell and some of his innovations.
[everyone laughs]
Wilbon: How has the style changed around the league?
KD: Yeah, and guys always say, “If you look good, you play good.” Everyone always looks at your feet first I think, when you're playing in a basketball game, and everyone wants to look good. They're doing a great job with mine.