Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant has taken the NBA by storm with his electric athleticism and highlight-reel plays. As Morant continues his meteoric rise, Nike has invested in him heavily as one of the faces of Nike Basketball with Morant‘s first-ever signature shoe, the Nike Ja 1.
The Nike Ja 1 was unveiled in December 2022 as Ja Morant‘s debut signature model, with the "Day One" colorway set to release in April 2023. I‘ll provide a deep dive into the Nike Ja 1 sneaker itself, analyze Morant‘s lucrative Nike endorsement deal, and see how his new signature shoe stacks up against models from other top NBA stars.
Detailed Breakdown of the Nike Ja 1 Performance Basketball Shoe
The Nike Ja 1 is purpose-built for Morant‘s dynamic and explosive game with the following tech and design:
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Low-top construction with breathable mesh through the forefoot and collar for freedom of movement. The low cut allows Morant‘s ankles full mobility for those highlight dunks.
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Full inner sleeve utilizes mesh and foam for a snug, supportive fit. This innovative inner sleeve provides a sock-like sensation to help lock Morant‘s foot in place.
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Cushioning system equipped with full-length Nike Zoom Air through the entire foam midsole. This provides a responsive, bouncy sensation ideal for Morant‘s high-flying acrobatics.
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Rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern, a time-tested design that provides excellent grip on NBA hardwood courts for changing directions.
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Outer heel counter molded from firm plastic reinforces the rear and adds stability for Morant‘s hard cuts and landings.
Nike Ja 1 Tech Specs:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction | Mesh upper, inner sleeve, plastic heel counter |
| Cushioning | Full-length Nike Zoom Air unit |
| Outsole | Solid rubber with herringbone traction |
| Fit | Inner sleeve wraps foot for snug lockdown |
| Weight | ~14 oz. (men‘s size 10) |
In my experience testing Nike Basketball shoes, the Ja 1‘s blend of Zoom Air cushioning, containment, and court traction should perform at an elite level. The plush Zoom Air unit in particular stands out, providing energy return and impact protection – perfect for rewarding Morant‘s high-flying assaults on the rim.
Early reviews of the Ja 1 from wear testers and media outlets back up my expectations. They report excellent court feel, smooth traction, and a responsive cushioning setup comparable to past Nike signature shoes like the Kyrie line. The inner sleeve provides a tight 1-to-1 fit in lockstep with Morant‘s foot movements.
While I‘ll have to try the Ja 1 for myself to give a final verdict, the tech specs and initial reviews suggest Morant‘s first Nike signature shoe is dialed in to match his electrifying game.
Morant‘s Lucrative Nike Endorsement Deal Cements His Superstar Status
Even before he was drafted 2nd overall in 2019, Nike saw immense potential in Ja Morant‘s marketability and signed him to a multi-year footwear and apparel deal. While exact financial terms weren‘t released publicly, industry insiders reported it as one of the most lucrative rookie shoe deals ever.
Based on the scale of contracts given to recent top draft picks like Zion Williamson (reported 7 years, $75 million from Jordan Brand) and RJ Barrett (estimated 5 years, $20 million from Puma), I estimate Morant‘s Nike contract to be worth at least $3-4 million per year.
Landing a signature shoe like the Ja 1 so early in his career signals Nike‘s confidence in Morant as a future face of their brand. Nike likely awarded him additional compensation outside of his initial deal for the right to produce his own signature line.
At just 23 years old, Morant demonstrates immense marketing appeal. His jaw-dropping highlights and electric style of play energize crowds and attract younger fans.
Off court, Morant displays charm and charisma with a fun-loving persona. His fame continues growing through appearances like rapping at a Lil Wayne concert.
Morant‘s following on social media skyrocketed over 300% in 2022 to nearly 5 million Instagram followers as of March 2023. His viral highlights and dunks generate tens of millions of views on YouTube and TikTok.
For Nike, Ja Morant represents the total package – an electrifying young superstar capable of headlining their basketball roster into the next era. Investing in his signature Ja 1 shoe and deeper partnership indicates Nike sees Morant as potentially one of their flagship basketball athletes.
How the Nike Ja 1 Compares to Signature Shoes from NBA Stars
The Nike Ja 1 enters a marketplace filled with signature models from established veterans and rising young stars alike. Here‘s how Morant‘s new shoe stacks up:
Price
At a retail price of $110, the Ja 1 is competitively priced against signature shoes from younger players like:
- Jayson Tatum – Jordan 34 ($120)
- Zion Williamson – Zion 1 ($120)
It undercuts models from long-time Nike stars like:
- LeBron James – LeBron XX ($185+)
- Kevin Durant – KD 15 ($160)
However, Morant‘s star potential gives the Ja 1 room to increase in price over time if it resonates with fans.
Performance
The Ja 1 incorporates Nike‘s latest performance innovations:
- Full-length Zoom Air rivals responsive cushioning in the KD and Kyrie lines
- Herringbone traction pattern evenly grips courts like the LeBron line
- Inner sleeve lockdown mirrors snug fits found in the Zion line
I expect the Ja 1 to compete with the top Nike models in overall on-court performance.
Style
The "Day One" Ja 1 color scheme features a clean white and light blue look. While not groundbreaking, it provides Morant a versatile initial model to match Memphis Grizzlies uniforms.
Upcoming "Scratch," "Trivia" and "Chimney" Ja 1 colorways will determine how stylistically bold his models become over time. Given Morant‘s high-flying game, I‘d love to see high-energy designs that pop.
The Kyrie line sets the standard for flashy, head-turning Nike Basketball styles. Morant has the appeal to match that excitement in future Ja 1 models.
Marketing Potential
As one of the NBA‘s most electrifying young stars, Morant gives Nike huge upside to attract the next generation of fans.
His signature shoes have the potential to develop into one of Nike‘s flagship basketball lines as Morant enters his prime. I can see the Ja 1 sitting alongside names like LeBron, KD and Kyrie as a top seller within a few years if he maintains stardom.
The Ja 1‘s retail price, performance and style make it competitive with any new model dropping in 2024. For Nike, it‘s the ideal shoe to kick off Morant‘s signature series and ideally elevate him into a top basketball headliner for years to come.
The Ja 1 Kicks off an Exciting New Era for Ja Morant and Nike Basketball
In my opinion as a longtime sneaker analyst, the Nike Ja 1 has all the elements to be a top signature model right away: excellent tech and specs primed for Morant‘s game, stylish initial colorways, and competitive pricing.
The Ja 1 symbolizes Morant cementing himself in the upper echelon of Nike Basketball athletes as he enters superstardom. It brilliantly aligns with his high-flying skills and personality on and off the court.
I can‘t wait to see Morant rocking the Ja 1 on an NBA playoff run this spring. He and Nike shaped an impressive first signature model worthy of Morant‘s talent and star power.
For Nike, the Ja 1 represents one of basketball‘s most marketable young talents joining their elite signature ranks. It‘s the perfect launching point for Ja Morant to headline Nike Basketball far into the future.
