On June 26th 1996, the NBA changed forever.
The loaded draft class would mark the arrival of some of the best basketball players of the 2000s. Only one of them, though, would go on to become one of the greatest in the history of the NBA.
By now, we are all familiar with the story of the teams that all passed on Kobe Bryant- teams that would go on to regret that decision in the decades that followed. Now, twenty years removed from that fateful night, Nike is reminding not only those teams but also fans of that historic night in 1996.
In honor of Kobe entering the league in 1996, Nike is preparing an epic capsule that will drop twenty years to the day of that important day in NBA History. Dubbed the ‘Draft Pack,’ the collection spans both sneakers and apparel.
You can find the full collection below. It is slated to drop tomorrow, June 26th, at 10 AM EST via SNKRS.
Kobe 4 Protro ‘Draft Pack’– The headliner of the collection, the Kobe 4 Protro Pack features 14 new colorways of Bryant’s 4th signature sneaker with Nike. Fans who are lucky enough to hit will receive their pair in a blind bag and will not know which pair they hit on until they arrive.
Big Kids’ Kobe 4 ‘Draft Pack’ in University Gold and Fierce Purple– The kids in our lives will be blessed at what perhaps is the most anticipated and sought-after pair from the draft pack. All that without having to play the mystery game. That is not the only pair from the pack the kiddos are being blessed with, though.
Big Kids’ Kobe 4 ‘Draft Pack’ in White and Glacier Blue– The second colorway from the Draft Pack for the kiddos highlights the team that drafted Bryant in the Charlotte Hornets. The team that made the biggest mistake in the draft, though, as they proceeded to trade Bryant to the Lakers, according to a trade agreement that would see the Hornets get Center Vlade Divac in exchange.
Nike Dunk Low Protro ‘Draft Pack’ “Charlotte to LA”– The dunk low that makes part of the draft pack features similar storytelling to the Kobe 4 in the collection. The sneaker comes out of the box in colors of Purple and Teal to match the Charlotte Hornets colors. Over time, though, the swoosh and heel tab will fade away to reveal the iconic Laker gold.
Kobe ‘Draft Pack’ Basketball T-Shirt– Just like the Kobe 4 Protro Collection, the Draft Pack T-shirt collection will ship in mystery packaging. The Kobe “Draft Pack” T-Shirt is available in 1 of 14 colorways as part of a mystery drop. Thirteen of them nod to the teams who missed on a legend. While the fourteenth honors the forever franchise that got it right.
Kobe ‘Draft Pack’ Men’s T-Shirt– This roomy Kobe “Draft Pack” tee is inspired by the pro journey that began in ’96. The T-Shirt featuring Kobe’s first moment as a Laker will drop in both as White and Black T-Shirt.
Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Icon Edition Jersey– One of the most iconic jerseys in sports returns as a celebration of the special day. The Kobe Bryant Icon Edition jersey celebrates a player who left a legacy in Los Angeles and in the world of Basketball.
You can explore the latest Kobe gear from Nike outside of the ‘Draft Pack’ collection here.
