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Lace Up: Here Are The Best Kicks Worn On NBA Opening Night

October 26, 2016 - 12:43 pm by Ayana Rashed

Take a look back to some of the sickest kicks worn on opening night of the NBA season. 

The NBA season tipped off last night and we are just as excited to catch some basketball action and sneaker heat.

The Cleveland Cavaliers took on the New York Knicks Tuesday night (Oct. 25) as LeBron James stepped on the court with the LeBron Soldier 10s "Battle Grey" shoes. The Cavs went on to win by 30 points, but another standout of the night was  San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard. The small forward went up against the Golden State Warriors in the Air Jordan 31 and went on to drop 35 points in a Spurs blow-out.

Everyone is glad basketball is back and so are we. Now that the NBA 2016-2017 season is here, we'll see a slew of sick kicks hitting the court. Inspired by the kicks of Leonard and LBJ, we take a look back at the best shoes worn on opening night.

From Ray Allen to Swaggy P, check out the best kicks in the gallery above.

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Ray Allen in the Air Jordan 11 "Two Rings" PE
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Ray Allen in the Air Jordan 11 "Two Rings" PE

2013-2014 Season


Allen's eye-catching kicks paid tribute to his two championships. The tongue featured his signature with red, gold and white colors to match. While they never hit retail stores, some people were allegedly selling the kicks on Ebay.

Courtney Lee in the Air Jordan 13 "Barons"
3
8

Courtney Lee in the Air Jordan 13 "Barons"

2014-2015 Season

During his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Lee made history as the first player to rock the coveted kicks on the court.

Nick Young in the Air Jordan 4 "Lightning"
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8

Nick Young in the Air Jordan 4 "Lightning"

  2013-2014 Season Playing against the Clippers, many suspected the shoe was actually from the 06 layout or simply a fresh retro. Like Lee, Young was the first player in the NBA to rock these shoes on court.
Kobe Bryant in the Air Jordan 3 PE
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8

Kobe Bryant in the Air Jordan 3 PE

2002-2003 Season

For opening night against the Houston Rockets and his free agency years, the now retired Bryant showed off a slew of kicks, including the Laker colorways.

Lamarcus Aldridge in the Air Jordan 11 Retro "Concord"
Getty Images
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Lamarcus Aldridge in the Air Jordan 11 Retro "Concord"

2013-2014 Season

For opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was a sight to see. The kicks had just released worldwide two weeks before so, it was great to see a player taking the shoe on-court for some basketball action.

Terrence Ross In the Air Jordan 8 Retro "Playoff"
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8

Terrence Ross In the Air Jordan 8 Retro "Playoff"

 2014-2015 Season Playing against the Phoenix Suns, the kicks are one of the many Air Jordan Retros that will stand out amongst any shoe on the court.
Michael Jordan in the Air Jordan "Bred" 11s
Getty Images
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Michael Jordan in the Air Jordan "Bred" 11s

1996-1997 Season 

Debuting 20 years ago,the show was the first time anyone had seen the bred 11 colorway. With a classic red and black finish, the shoe is known as the brand's signature silhouette. 

 

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