words & images // Zack Schlemmer
Other than Scottie Pippen in his Nike Air Up White and Silver Player Editions, this week is all either a player, shoe, or even shoe brand that has been overlooked or forgotten.
To top the list of obscurity is former Dallas Mavericks Center James Donaldson in his Diadora brand sneakers. Diadora is an Italian brand known mostly for it's soccer shoes. Do an internet image search for "Diadora basketball shoe" and you'll get about five or six results, none of which are this particular shoe. A little bulky, but it's really not a bad looking shoe.
Next up is Luc Longley in the often overlooked Nike Air Uptempo. Although it was the first Uptempo shoe made by Nike, today it's mostly forgotten and overshadowed by later Uptempo releases. In it's time, however, it was a popular shoe amongst NBA and college players. [Check it on this catalog page from Eastbay's Memory Lane feature.]
Another popular shoe amongst players at it's time but mostly unnoticed today is the Nike Air Flight Max, worn here by Sherman Douglas. It's features are highlighted by it's large jewel swoosh and uncommon use of visible Air in only the forefoot.
Like Diadora, Asics is not a brand known for their basketball shoes. Only a handful of NBA players were ever endorsed by Asics, most notably Isiah Thomas. Here we see former Clipper and Knick Charles Smith wearing a pair. Smith was the #3 NBA Draft Pick in 1988 but never fully lived up to his potential and fits right in with this week's theme after falling into obscurity after playing on some of the great Knicks teams in the mid 90's. (You also get a look at Sam Mitchell's Nike Air Force V on this card.)
Have a favorite this week? Let it be known in the comments below. And don't forget to check out the Kicks on Cards main page for daily updates!
Scottie Pippen -- Nike Air Up PE
James Donaldson -- Diadora basketball hightops
Luc Longley -- Nike Air Uptempo
Sherman Douglas -- Nike Air Max Flight
Charles Smith -- Asics
