Image via Complex Original
Another NBA season is in the books and after a crazy playoff run—not to be hyperbolic—this may have been the best season since Jordan left. As good as the games were, you still couldn't overlook all the craziness in the sneaker game. Some interesting choices to lace up in and incredible one-of-ones for the biggest stars had our readers checking back regularly to see who wore what. Hit the jump to check out The Most Surprising Sneaker Moments of the 2012-2013 NBA Season and hit us in the comments with your thoughts.
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Nike LeBron X "What The MVP" - LeBron James
Nike LeBron X "What The MVP" — LeBron James
Date: May 6, 2013
Opponent: Chicago Bulls
Surprised at the kicks? Not really. But in an age where 72 hours seems like old news, you have to give Nike credit for rolling out the shoe so quickly and for Bron-Bron helping build the hype by actually running with the Bulls in these. How much did you pay for yours?
Air Jordan III PE "OKC" - Russell Westbrook
Air Jordan III PE "OKC" — Russell Westbrook
Date: January 11, 2013
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
When Westbrook signed with Jordan Brand last summer a lot of people were curious what the next step was with the young star. When Russ debuted the innovative XX8 there were no surprises but when JB laced him with his own PE of the iconic III for a Friday night game, the internets went crazy,
Nike LeBron X "Carmex" - LeBron James
Nike LeBron X "Carmex" — LeBron James
Date: March 3, 2013
Opponent: New York Knicks
Ten years in the league and LeBron has rarely disappointed on the big stage. This year when his travels took him to the Big Apple, his play was on point like always but it was the kicks that had social media in a frenzy. We had already seen previews of the "Carmex" Xs but we don't think anyone ever expected The King to don them on the court.
And1 Tai Chi PE - Lance Stephenson
And1 Tai Chi PE — Lance Stephenson
Date: May 5, 2013
Opponent: New York Knicks
Lance! One of the biggest wildcards of this past season, it only made sense that he would also carve his own lane with his sneaker choice. And1 was built on a Brooklyn native when Stephon Marbury first entered the league, and now Stephenson is there to help revitalize the brand almost 20 years later. Now where can we get a pair of his PE Tai Chis?
Nike LeBron VI "Fairfax" - LeBron James
Nike LeBron VI "Fairfax" — LeBron James
Date: March 20, 2013
Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers
It's pretty rare to see LeBron take it back with the sneakers, especially wearing the same VIs he rocked with the Cavs when the Heat traveled to Cleveland this year. Does it make up for the whole "Decision" fiasco? No. But you can see dude made a little effort to pay homage to the past that made him great.
Three Air Jordans in One Game - Nate Robinson
Three Air Jordans in One Game — Nate Robinson
Date: October 31, 2012
Opponent: Sacramento Kings
Rocking Jordans isn't a crime—Nate has been doing it well before his days as a Washington Husky, rocking OG-colorway Js routinely. To kick off the season this year, however, Nate decided to break out three different pairs in the same game. We don't know if it was a comfort issue or a ploy for blog coverage, but three kicks in one game is doing a little too much.
Nike Zoom Kobe I - Nick Young
Nike Zoom Kobe I — Nick Young
Date: December 16, 2013
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
How do you get one of the greatest player's attention on the court when you're an up-and-comer? You either outscore him or rock his old kicks. Young wisely did the latter and also dropped a then season-high 30. Kobe? He had 34.
Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals JS Streetball - Iman Shumpert
Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals JS Streetball — Iman Shumpert
Date: January 21, 2013
Opponent: Brooklyn Nets
Whether it's the runway or Madison Square Garden, Jeremy Scott's creations always turn heads. NBA players aren't new to his work but when Iman Shumpert ditched his Top Ten 2000 PEs for the lifestyle kicks, it was one of the craziest moves since Arenas hooped in D&G. We guess he took the streetball name literally.
Nike Air Zoom GP II - Nick Young
Nike Air Zoom GP II — Nick Young
Date: February 9, 2013
Opponent: Charlotte Bobcats
GP are you with me? While everyone eagerly awaits the return of the Gloves, Nick Young reached back for the almost-forgotten GP II which released over a decade ago. Impressive, young'n, impressive.
Nike Air Yeezy II - Nate Robinson
Nike Air Yeezy II — Nate Robinson
Date: March 6, 2013
Opponent: San Antonio Spurs
There was a lot of speculation that someone would be "that guy" and break out Kanye's latest collab with The Swoosh on the hardwood. Nate put that to rest when he did last summer on the blacktop but no one really thought he would do it again in an official game. It lasted last than a quarter but still sneakerheads took notice and earned him the people's champ award...again.
