The NBA’s 2026-27 Opening Night had its share of chatter, jawing, and big-time performances, but the sneakers were every bit as loud. Nike may have won the night overall, yet a handful of individual pairs stood out enough to headline the whole conversation.
Stephen Curry set the tone early in his new Li-Ning chapter, stepping out in a player-exclusive Curry Brand x Li-Ning Way Of Wade 12 “City Guard” colorway. Fans who want something similar can grab the general-release version for $200 at WayofWade.com.
Tyrese Maxey also turned heads in the New Balance Maxey V1, a debut shoe that already sold out fast on NewBalance.com. More colorways are expected to follow, which only adds to the buzz around Maxey’s place in both the league and the sneaker world.
Cade Cunningham brought a different kind of heat in the Nike Caitlin 1 “Ice Cold” colorway. Caitlin Clark’s white-and-blue pair won’t drop until December 1, though other versions are available now at Nike.com. Cunningham’s own first signature shoe is set for July 2027.
Tim Hardaway Jr. made a sentimental call with the Nike Air Bakin, a nod to his father, who helped popularize the shoe in the 1990s. The retro pair sold out in September, but resale options remain on platforms like StockX and GOAT.
There was also plenty of sneaker trash talk to go around. Devin Booker wore an unreleased colorway of the Nike Book 2, while Ja Morant laced up the Nike Ja 4 “Zombie” colorway. Both players’ shoes can be found at Nike.com.
Luka Doncic introduced a player-exclusive version of the Jordan Luka 5 in purple and gold. That exact colorway hasn’t released, though a Lakers-inspired version is available for $135 in adult sizes at Nike.com.
Another eye-catching debut came from Yaxel Lendeborg, who made his first NBA appearance in the Air Jordan 14 “Michigan” colorway as a tribute to his alma mater. That specific pair never reached retail, but the Air Jordan 14 is available at Nike.com.
Anthony Edwards made sure his night matched the shoes, going for 45 points and 10 rebounds in the adidas AE 3 “Cold Blooded” colorway. The shoe is available for $130 in adult sizes at adidas.com.
Kevin Durant also stayed in a special version, wearing the Nike KD19 “EYBL Peach Jam” colorway. It was never released to the public, though other colorways of the 19th signature model are available for $155 in adult sizes at Nike.com.
Jalen Brunson closed out the biggest footwear moments with a 1-of-1 Nike Kobe 6 Protro in an all-gold colorway for the defending champions’ Ring Ceremony. That one is staying exactly where it is: off shelves, for good.
In Other News...
Steve Kerr Had A Blunt Take On Warriors Rookies Tough Debut
Yaxel Lendeborgs NBA debut came with no easing-in period, as the Warriors rookie was thrown into the kind of assignment that can define a first impression. Against the Lakers, he was tasked with guarding Luka Doncic, and he handled a heavy workload with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes while navigating all the noise that comes with being matched up against one of the leagues toughest stars.
Steve Kerr viewed it as part of the learning curve for a young player being asked to defend at that level right away, and he also had a candid read on the technical foul Lendeborg picked up after trash-talking Doncic. For Golden State, the debut served as a reminder of how quickly rookies can be tested in real NBA minutes, and how little margin there is for error when the opponent is a player of Doncics caliber. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Face A Costly Win-Now Decision At Center
The Warriors are once again staring at a familiar roster question, this time in the middle of their search for more size and stability at center. Reports say Golden State has explored trade possibilities involving Kristaps Porzingis and Myles Turner, with talks having even included the Bucks, a sign the front office is at least testing the market for a major upgrade. The appeal is obvious: both players would change the look of the frontcourt and address a need that has lingered for some time.
The cost, however, is the part that makes this more than a simple deadline-style inquiry. Adding Turner would mean giving up draft capital, another player, and some future flexibility because of his contract, which puts the Warriors in the middle of the same win-now versus long-term debate that has shaped so many of their recent decisions. Milwaukees reported lack of interest only adds another layer to the uncertainty, leaving Golden State to weigh how much it is willing to sacrifice for a move that could alter both the present season and what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Rookie Sent A Message To Luka And Vets Loved It
Yaxel Lendeborg did not spend his first NBA game blending into the background. In his debut for the Warriors, the rookie found himself jawing with Luka Doncic on the court, a moment that fit the edge Golden State has long valued in its younger players. He also backed it up with a solid outing, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds even as the Warriors came up short against the Lakers.
Draymond Green and Stephen Curry both publicly had Lendeborgs back afterward, a notable sign of approval from two veterans who know plenty about competitiveness crossing the line into something more. For a rookie trying to establish himself in a locker room built around intensity and accountability, that kind of support matters. It also leaves the intriguing question of how far Lendeborg can carry that confidence the next time the lights get a little brighter. [Read more 🡒]