Two NBA stars debuted new sneakers in their Eastern Conference Playoffs matchup

In a first-round Eastern Conference matchup of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the fourth-seed Cleveland Cavaliers are pitted against the fifth-seed Orlando Magic. Their respective stars, Cavs' Donovan Mitchell and Magic's Paolo Banchero are entrusted with the task of raising their team's ceilings and contributing to success. But aside from the pressures of playoff basketball, Mitchell and Banchero have taken the time to unveil new footwear for the important occasion.

With a storied four-decade-long history, the Air Jordan collection is set to unveil its latest addition to the family, the Air Jordan 39. The Orlando Magic's rising star, Paolo Banchero, was the first athlete to don the new sneakers when he took the court on April 20.

Paolo Banchero displays an immense amount of potential, just like the Air Jordan 39.

In a statement made by Banchero to Sports Illustrated's FanNation Kicks, the recent 2024 NBA All-Star said this regarding his Jordan brand affiliation and blazing the trail for the 39s:

"It's an honor to represent the Jordan family in wearing the Air Jordan 39s for our first playoff series of my career... 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"

- Paolo Banchero

The Air Jordan 39 is a carefully designed sneaker that combines speed and agility, perfect for athletes looking to stay low to the ground and make quick changes in direction. Developed with the icon's style and techniques in mind, this model is meant to optimize performance by incorporating cutting-edge technology that improves agility and maneuverability. Such technologies in Jordan 39 include the featured full-length Nike ZoomX foam that offers an above-average energy return and a responsive cushioning experience.

The Air Jordan 39 will hit the market later this summer with two initial colorways set to drop - one called "SOL" and the other called "LUMIÈRE", with further colorways to follow.

On the other side of the Cavs-Magic matchup, Cleveland's franchise star Donovan Mitchell used the playoff platform to don his new Adidas sneaker collaboration, the D.O.N. Issue 6. Donovan Mitchell first gave a sneak preview of his upcoming Adidas project to the sneakerhead community during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. Lacing up the "Camp" colorway for Game 1 of the Cavaliers-Magic first-round series, the man known as "Spida" is showcasing the sixth edition of his signature sneaker line before anyone else has access.

Basketball sneaker enthusiasts await the arrival of Adidas' D.O.N Issue 6 model.

Aside from what Donovan Mitchell has made apparent on his feet and in social media clips, no further details have been disclosed by Adidas or Spida's camp regarding a firm release date, specifications, and pricing info. All that is known is the D.O.N Issue 6's inclusion in Adidas' 2024 NBA Playoffs collection for several post-season bound superstars signed to their brand, including the Harden Vol. 8, Anthony Edwards' AE1 Low, and Damian Lillard's Dame 9.