The History of Air Jordan in the NBA: 27 Years, 27 Jordans, 27 Players

Image via Complex Original

Who doesn't want to be like Mike? The greatest basketball player of all time also started a revolution with the greatest sneaker line of all time. Ask any basketball player and they’ll tell you Jordans were the must-have sneaker from their first games as a youngster ballin’ on the concrete to dreams of having their own signature lines as well. Last year we featured 26 Jordans and players, this year we added the 2012s and a brand-new line up of photos from the vault. Check the countdown and teachers feel free to put this on your lesson plan and share, Complex is about educating the youth. Take a look through our gallery of 27 different players rockin’ all 27 different signature Jordan models. 

Air Jordan I

Who: Jared Jeffries 
Original Release Year: 1985 
Complex Says: It's hard to believe it has been 27 years since we witnessed the start of a revolution. Tinker wasn't on board yet but the design by Peter Moore was the blueprint for the start of something serious. After freshman orientation it was definitely time for flight school. (Jared Jeffries may have slept through those classes.)

Air Jordan II

Who: Quentin Richardson
Original Release Year: 1987 
Complex Says: When you're an official member of the Jordan Brand family, you don't just ball in general releases. Q got these mean red, white and blue IIs — among many, MANY others — that got Chris Wilcox so excited he gave him a chest bump for no reason.

Air Jordan III

Who: Richard Jefferson
Original Release Year: 1988 
Complex Says: Since he stepped on the court at Arizona (a sneaker institution itself if we may say so) Jefferson has been killin' the sneaker game. When he took his talents to the league he was known for rockin' the Js on a few occasions. Elbow in the rim rocking IIIs during the dunk contest? Vince Carter, meet Michael Jordan. 

Air Jordan IV

Who: Gilbert Arenas
Original Release Year: 1989 
Complex Says: Last season alone gave us a dozen options for Agent Zero on this list — the 2010-2011 sneaker champ rocked so much heat you momentarily forgot he actually pulled the heater on a teammate. We were glad to see him sign with the Grizzlies but no one caught a shot of the "Lightning" IVs the other night? Treacherous. 

Air Jordan V

Who: Stephon Marbury
Original Release Year: 1990 
Complex Says: After he helped launch And1 into a competitive brand overnight and before he was practicing for Vaseline-eating contests, Starbury was the man and this is photo evidence with the 3M laced Jordan Vs shining brighter than the Bentley grill. Brooklyn, stand up.

Air Jordan VI

Who: Glenn Robinson
Original Release Year: 1990 
Complex Says: Damn homie, at Purdue you was the man homie...Glenn Robinson's pro career didn't quit pan out as anticipated but at least he kept it G with the sneaks. You could catch "Big Dog" in anything from "Space Jam" XIs to the Tinker Hatfield classic "Infared" IVs. The rear tab was the greatest for helping slip these joints on and off and if these helped Michael get his first ring, they damn sure couldn't hurt Big Dog's game. 

Air Jordan VII

Who: Jalen Rose
Original Release Year: 1991 
Complex Says: Jalen Rose and his Fab Five crew might have inspired some of the changes in Jordan's sneaker line with their takeover in basketball fashion. The Huarache-inspired Air Jordan VII was a part of some monumental MJ moments, including his second NBA title, third MVP, and second gold medal in the Olympics. 

Air Jordan VIII

Who: Ricky Davis
Original Release Year: 1993 
Complex Says: Tricky Ricky was an And1 guy for a long time — his GET BUCKETS embroidery graced many a style — but when he became a sneaker free agent he opted for Jordans. Maybe it would have been better wearing something lighter if he wanted to stay in front of Kobe. 

Air Jordan IX

Who: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
Original Release Year: 1993 
Complex Says: After His Airness took early retirement, the league and Nike scrambled to find a heir to the throne. With a few strong candidates from the previous draft class Penny Hardaway stood out due to his freak size for a one man and his marketability. Nike hooked the kid up with an Orlando colorway version of the IXs that Mike himself never laced up in as a Bull and a few years later MJ returned the favor rocking Penny's Air Flight Ones in a game against the Magic. 

Air Jordan X

Who: Scottie Pippen
Original Release Year: 1994 
Complex Says: Maybe he is credited enough for the Bulls success in the '90s, but many people young'ns might be oblivious to the fact that Robin was just as important to those title runs as Mike himself. Even though he was catered to with various signature Nike basketball shoes, Scottie still showed his appreciation hoopin' in the "Chicago" Xs once the big homie returned, rockin' the 4-5. 

Air Jordan XI

Who: Toni Kukoc
Original Release Year: 1995 
Complex Says: Even after Toni "1.8" Kukoc left the Bulls, his loyalty remained with Jordan, rocking the most iconic sneaker of all time inspired by a lawn mower. Is there anything Tinker can't turn into gold? King. 

Air Jordan XII

Who: Ron Artest
Original Release Year: 1996 
Complex Says: The last Js to drop in a traditional Nike box, Ron Artest rocked the retro release of the "Playoff" XIIs before the melee in Auburn Hills when the Pacers were looking untouchable in the East. Thanks to a lengthy suspension, Artest didn't make it to the postseason that year but the shoes were correct and he earned a ring a few years later.   

Air Jordan XIII

Who: Nate Robinson 
Original Release Year: 1997 
Complex Says: The Jordan XIIIs were inspired by Mike’s nickname on the court, “Black Cat.” The hologram panther eye on the ankle gave them a distinct look and was counterfeited to no end. Nate abandoned Sir Charles for MJ, maybe hoping for a little of that Bulls magic to rub off. 

Air Jordan XIV

Who: Tim Duncan and Charles Barkley
Original Release Year: 1998 
Complex Says: Technically we broke the rule and it's 28 players in 27 Jordans, but Chuck and Duncan in Jordan XIVs? The NBA, where amazing happens. 

Air Jordan XV

Who: Elton Brand
Original Release Year: 1999 
Complex Says: After another Jordan retirement and more speculation whether Jordan Brand would continue his sneaker legacy, they kept going strong. The XVs were inspired by the X-15 fighter jet designed by NASA in the ‘50s. Many players including the Bulls hope for a savior, Elton Brand, donned the sneakers after MJ left the game for good another brief hiatus.  

Air Jordan XVI

Who: Michael Finley
Original Release Year: 2001 
Complex Says: One of the greatest media day photos of all-time featured NBA All Stars, cowboy hats, lassos, a billionaire piggybacking his franchise player, and somewhere in the mess was Finley in a pair of Jordan XVIs. The XVIs were released on MJ’s 38th birthday and also the first Jordan since the IIs that were not designed by legend Tinker Hatfield. 

Air Jordan XVII

Who: Kobe Bryant
Original Release Year: 2002 
Complex Says: Mike was back again, this time for a run with the Washington Wizards. The XVIIs were the first Jordan to retail at $200 and took inspiration from an Aston Martin. With Jordan back to be the face of his line and Kobe being wooed by the heads in Beaverton, cooking up a few pairs for Bryant himself was a good move to carry the torch and also lock up the league's most promising superstar for the next decade. 

Air Jordan XVIII

Who: Shawn Marion
Original Release Year: 2003 
Complex Says: MJ had knee issues during his final run in the NBA and had to call it quits (for good — really) on April 16, 2003 following a loss to Philly. The XVIIIs were done by new designer Tate Kuerbis and introduced the pull-out opening box seen with many current drops including most LeBrons and Jordan retro drops. Marion's nod to Mike's shoes was a good look, but the jumper is a hate crime against the game itself. 

Air Jordan XIX

Who: Gary Payton
Original Release Year: 2004 
Complex Says: GP's name gets brought up when you talk about Nike signature classics but when "The Glove" was winding down his time in the league he deferred to Jordan Brand to keep him draped in greatness via a few player-exclusive Js. 

Air Jordan XX

Who: Carmelo Anthony
Original Release Year: 2005 
Complex Says: Tinker Hatfield came back to help design the 20th edition of the timeless sneaker line and helped restore the line's greatness after a two-year run that didn't quite achieve the same success as previous models. Since his days out of Syracuse, Melo has been down with Jordan Brand. Anthony has had a great run with his own signature series but the crew over at JB also helped Melo kick things off in the NBA with a couple of his own one-of-one IIs, XIIs, and XXs. Even if you're not a huge fan of the model you can't front on the detailed laser designed midfoot strap.  

Air Jordan XXI

Who: Richard Hamilton
Original Release Year: 2006 
Complex Says: Since his days at UConn, Rip Hamilton has been known for being an avid Jordanhead. The XXIs used premium Italian suede and were aesthetically very simple and clean compared to most other Jordan releases. We see you in the AF1s, 'Sheed. 

Air Jordan XX2

Who: Ray Allen
Original Release Year: 2007 
Complex Says: A sure thing Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic faces in Jordans besides Mike himself, Ray Allen has been the epitome of greatness on and off the court with his smooth treys, endless count of trill Js, and role as Jesus Shuttlesworth. The XX2s stepped it up with technology and design inspired by the F-22 Raptor jet. They also featured an incredible double-stacked Zoom Air pod for maximum comfort and stability. 

Air Jordan XX3

Who: Kevin Martin 
Original Release Year: 2008 
Complex Says: After Jordan left the game for a third time his sneaker releases just weren't gaining the kind of hype the brand had hoped for. When news of the XX3s broke, everyone thought it was the end of an era. Nope. With the 23rd edition releasing in 2008 the (Considered) design was appealing, the players wearing it were on top of the league, and Air Jordan was back.

Air Jordan 2009

Who: Joe Johnson
Original Release Year: 2009 
Complex Says: Just when everyone thought it was over, Jordan Brand surprised the masses with another release, this time using the shoe's release year versus the numbering system of the previous 23 models. Designer Jason Mayden incorporated a new innovative design inspired by fencing and radical cushioning technology making the 2009s look very sleek and fast on the court. 

Air Jordan 2010

Who: Dwyane Wade
Original Release Year: 2010 
Complex Says: Received with some mixed reactions due to the transparent window, the Air Jordan 2010 sure stood out. Eventually, after a few colorways and great performance reviews, Jordan fans warmed up to the shoe. Numerous players rocked them throughout the season including Dwayne Wade who made the jump from Converse and was hand-picked by MJ himself to be down with the team.

Air Jordan 2011

Who: Michael Jordan
Original Release Year: 2011 
Complex Says: Don't call it a comeback. Really. The Air Jordan 2011s are technically two shoes in one with the interchangeable midsoles catering to players on the perimeter and in the paint. Performance testing by the man himself was a must while the Bobcats owner helped develop some of his newbies in the system — that's still a work in progress, but the sneakers are coming along just fine. 

Air Jordan 2012

Who: Mike Bibby
Original Release Year: 2012 
Complex Says: Props to Mike Bibby for staying relevant with Team Jordan through parts of three decades and still getting laced in player editions in the final run of his career. You could make an argument that his player exclusives might be the best of the group on the low. The 2012 Jordans took another step towards making the line far more about performance than design and after the reviews it looks like these were done right. Now what will Team Jordan have in store for next year? With the rollout of the Nike+ innovation in next year's basketball shoes, we are anticpating something beyond the norm.