words by Steve Jaconetta
The NBA kicked off its opening day of the 2008-09 regular season last night. While three games were going on featuring the Bulls vs. Bucks, Celtics vs. Cavaliers and the Lakers vs. Trailblazers, only one game shocked the sneaker community completely.
Just before the Celtics and Cavs squared off in their first game of the season, the reigning NBA champs received their rings and raised banner number 17 to the rafters. One-by-one the players were announced and they walked to center court and then IT happened. Ray Allen comes out and as always everyone watching including myself was eager to see what he was wearing. Was he still wearing the Jordan TGIM from late last season or maybe the Jordan Ol’ Skool II that he recently wore in the final pre-season games, or was it something new altogether?
At first glance I knew what it was and I immediately flipped out and watched eagerly for a better angle. The sneaker community meanwhile was in a great debate as to wether the shoe was what most people were thinking. Team Jordan, no. Jordan Six Rings, no. Jordan XI, YES! Your eyes weren’t deceiving you, they were indeed Air Jordan 11 Retro’s.
What a sight for sore eyes especially for me, as my name and avy say it all. My favorite Air Jordan model of all time along with my favorite player in the game today (MJ all time of course). What could be better than the best Air Jordan ever along with the sweetest jump shot ever? The answer is simple - NOTHING.
It’s great to see the XI on the court again as it’s been awhile. In true PE fashion, this colorway was made specifially for Sugar Ray for tonight’s game as it matched his uniform. A white-based shoe with metallic gold patent leather and a green outsole. The laces, Jumpman and heel tab are also green with the number 23 in gold on it.
Enjoy the images below courtesy of YahooSports. Also for those wondering, at this time these are not scheduled to be released and will remain unreleased player exclusives just for Ray Allen.
Keys: Jordan, Jordan shoes, Ray Allen, NBA, Opening Night, Jordan 11 Retro, Jordan Player Exclusive, Boston Celtics
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October 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
They’re actually kind of hard to identify in that colorway.
But still, nice.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
holy crap gold patent leather or something?
i thought those were just the lows….
dam sugary ray got ALOT of PE’s
October 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
sick sick sick SICK !
October 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
i need to be famous so i can rock some xclusiv sh-t
October 30th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Long time since the XI’s was on the court?
he wore an all yellow pair when he was with the Seattle Sonics….
October 30th, 2008 at 2:08 am
^^AKA Footwork….that man is alot more than famous to desreve these!!
cant wait to see this sneaker up close, but the more i look at em not really feelin the way the green worked with the material used on the soles. …its one of those cw’s i would be glad to never see on the streets but love them in there own respect.yada yada i know!!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I can’t beleive my eyes,Gold and white celtic championship XI’s,i know that JB will never release that colorway but it would sure do my collection good to have a pair in my closet
October 30th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
nice 11
October 30th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Crack on the Court! Straight heat
October 31st, 2008 at 5:39 pm
beautiful, just absolutely beautiful.
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:13 am
best jordans ever, indeed good to see them again. VERY NICE