Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is considered by many to be the best player in the world today, and yet he does not have a signature shoe on his portfolio.
The current NBA Finals MVP holds a unique distinction as the only active recipient of the NBA Most Valuable Player award without a signature sneaker deal with any prominent shoe company.
The last MVP to be in this position was Dirk Nowitzki in 2007, making this a notable rarity among elite players in the league.
Let's take a look at Nikola Jokic's shoe history.
Nikola Jokic's History With Nike
Since his NBA debut in the 2015-16 season, the 28-year-old Serbian standout has exclusively sported Nike footwear on the court.
Throughout his career, Jokic has consistently donned player-exclusive shoes of existing models, a contrast to his peers like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker, who have secured their own signature shoes with the brand over a similar timeframe.
Jokic has confirmed earlier this year that he hasn't had any discussions with Nike about a potential signature shoe.
"It would be nice. But if it doesn't happen, I'm not going to die. So, it is what it is," the five-time NBA All-Star said about the situation.
For the past year, Jokic has been showcasing the Nike G.T. Jump on the hardwood. His unique and viral gesture of placing his wedding ring on the shoe laces before each game has added a personal touch to his on-court presence.
After the Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Championship, Nike released a commercial and put up a billboard in New York City featuring Jokic.
Nikola Jokic Signs With 361 Degrees
During a road game against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, December 21, Jokic was spotted wearing a different brand of shoes on his feet.
Within the game, shoe industry insider Nick DePaula confirmed that Jokic has signed a multi-year deal with Chinese brand 361 Degrees. Further details about the pact are yet to emerge, but 361 Degrees is set to make Jokic the face of their brand.
The two-time NBA MVP rocked the 361 Big3 Future High, which is a high-top variant of the brand's existing Future model available on its online store.
What is 361 Degrees?
361 Degrees is a Chinese shoe brand established in 2003, and they are based in Xiamen.
The brand was selected as the official uniform supplier for staff and volunteers during the 2016 Summer Olympics and the subsequent 2016 Summer Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Notably, the brand also signed Jokic's teammte Aaron Gordon to a shoe deal in 2020. The high-flying forward is now on his fourth signature sneaker with the brand.
Given Gordon's association and experiences with 361 Degrees, it's plausible that he might have influenced or played a role in Jokic's decision to align with the brand.
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