words // Brandon Richard
Yesterday, the NBA's incoming rookie class one again took over Madison Square Garden along with Panini America for the 2014 Rookie Photo Shoot. The NBA's newest generation of stars were photographed for league media material and their first officially licensed trading cards.
While most were eager to see their team's rookie in full uniform, we were busy keeping an eye on the footwear. With so many endorsement deals already announced, there wasn't as much suspense as there was surrounding last year's shoot. However, we did get to see some of the class' top stars hit the court in their brands' new models for the first time this summer.
Leading the way were new adidas athletes Andrew Wiggins and Marcus Smart, who each laced up the recently unveiled Crazylight Boost. Joel Embiid went with the Rose 773 III, while Dante Exum is back home in Australia attending promotional events.
Representing Team Jordan, 2nd overall pick Jabari Parker laced up the 'Metallic' Air Jordan 3Lab5 again. Charlotte Hornets teammates and likely Jordan endorsers Noah Vonleh and P.J. Hairston rocked the Air Jordan XX8 SE and Air Jordan Future, respectively. While nothing official has been announced for either guy, Elfrid Payton dished in the 'Black Cement' Air Jordan 3, and high-flyer Zach LaVine went with the 'Wolf Grey' colorway. When players don't have deals in place, they typically wear Jordans, so it's tough to figure out exactly who Jordan Brand has on their radar.
Nike Basketball has some in-house work to take care of, but they were visible at the photo shoot as well. Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic showcased his hops in the Crusader, while Julius Randle showed love to his new teammate in the 'What The' Kobe 8.
For a look at what tomorrow's stars wore for the rookie photo shoot, check out this special edition of NBA Sole Watch.
Andrew Wiggins -- adidas Crazylight Boost
Jabari Parker -- Air Jordan 3Lab5 'Metallic'
Aaron Gordon -- Nike Zoom Crusader
Marcus Smart -- adidas Crazylight Boost
Julius Randle -- Nike Kobe 8 'What The'
Nik Stauskas -- Nike Hyperdunk 2013
Noah Vonleh -- Air Jordan XX8 SE
Elfrid Payton -- Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Black Cement'
Doug McDermott -- Nike Hyperdunk 2013
Zach LaVine -- Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Wolf Grey'
Adreian Payne -- K1X Anti Gravity
James Young -- Air Jordan XX8 SE
Tyler Ennis -- Nike Hyperdunk 2012
Gary Harris -- Nike Air Foamposite One
Bruno Caboclo -- Nike Zoom Crusader
Rodney Hood -- Nike KD 7 '35,000 Degrees'
Shabazz Napier -- Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 'Concord'
C.J. Wilcox -- Nike Zoom Crusader
P.J. Hairston -- Air Jordan Future 'Wolf Grey'
Cleanthony Early -- Jordan Melo M10 'Knicks'
Johnny O'Bryant -- Air Jordan 2 Retro
Spencer Dinwiddie -- Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low 'Michael Jackson'
Glenn Robinson -- Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Bred'
Thanasis Antetokounmpo -- Nike Kobe 9 EM