By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com

As the 2024 NBA Playoffs begin, Air Jordan returns with a new shoe to debut on Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Sporting the iconic Air Jordan XXXIX [39]. Marking a significant chapter in both his career and the legacy of the Air Jordan brand, lead designer Joel Greenspan and Bennett Shaw, the lead product director, work directly with the eponymous Michael Jordan to tap the original essence of his basketball shoe line. 

Paolo Banchero, humbled by the experience of playing in a great’s shoes, describes it, “It’s an honor to represent the Jordan family in wearing the Air Jordan 39s for our first playoff series of my career,” said Paolo Banchero. “MJ’s legacy is rooted in historic playoff performances, and to have the opportunity to honor that in unveiling the 39’s is truly special for me.”

At the heart of the Air Jordan XXXIX lies a reverence for Michael Jordan's unparalleled style that has engulfed an early streetwear culture and then sneakerheads as the “retro” became desirable after his retirement, from the 80s through to the 2000s. The design ethos is rooted in the intersection of motion and emotion, paying homage to MJ's graceful yet aggressive approach to the game.

The Jordan Brand Design Team meticulously infused MJ's signature moves and attitude into every aspect of the Air Jordan XXXIX, while leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance performance. From the embroidered textile upper to the full-length Nike ZoomX foam, every detail is crafted to optimize players' agility and responsiveness on the court, pulling inspiration from previous Air Jordan model IX [9], and Zoom Air running shoe technology.

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