It all started at one.

Next year Jordan Brand will celebrate an unprecedented 25th anniversary of the Air Jordan series of shoes.  Earlier today we all caught a glimpse of the upcoming Air Jordan 2010, but for this Throwback Thursday, I thought it was an appropriate time to rewind things back to where it all began - the Nike Air Jordan 1.

Coming out of school Michael Jordan had tons of buzz surrounding him from his play at NC, to his Olympic Gold in the summer of ‘84, but the minute Jordan’s shoes were banned by the NBA, buzz for much more than just Mike was generated.  Though the shoes that technically were banned by the NBA were the Black/Red Nike Air Ships that MJ wore for the first part of his rookie year, the Nike Air Jordan 1’s were at the focal point of an extremely creative campaign by Nike.

As you know, the Air Jordan line has changed tremendously since the beginning, but sometimes there is nothing better than the original.

And just like that, greatness left the game.

Michael Jordan hung up his kicks and retired from the game of basketball.  Just because Mike was no longer in the League didn’t mean that Nike was finished with their game though.  The Nike Air Jordan IX came to the public and was repped heavily in the NBA by friends of Jordan including Mitch Richmond who took them to the All Star Game.

The “Powder Blue” colorway of the Air Jordan IX might be best remembered as it was a part of an advertising campaign that featured Mike reflecting on his glorious career wearing his UNC jersey sitting on a basketball.

Thankfully for the game of basketball and sneakers Mike returned to the game.  Thankfully for fans of this Air Jordan 9, the shoe will be returning…yes, you read that.  For a first for Throwback Thursday, we are pleased to announced that we saw the Air Jordan 9 in White/Black-University Blue listed as a 2010 release.  Check out more pics of a very well enjoyed pair after the break.

Be sure to watch the induction of Michael, as well as other greats David Robinson, John Stockton and coach Jerry Sloan, tonight on ESPN and NBA TV, from 6:30PM to 9:00PM, Eastern Time.

From Air Jordan 1s to Converse Pro Leathers, and from big games at Madison Square Garden to the Playoff performances that took legendary to a whole new level, here are our Top 23 Memorable Michael Moments.

Click here to see the final 23 Memorable Michael Moments.

In case you missed it, check out part 1 of our 50 Memorable Michael Jordan Moments.

Representing “The Championships” is the Jordan 6 Rings.  As you are probably aware, the Jordan 6 Rings is a hybrid of the seven different Air Jordans worn by MJ en route to his six NBA Championships.

The Jordan 6 Rings from the Jordan Moments Collection will officially release on September 5th with a box price of $175.  More shots after the break.

Though several stores have started selling these early, they will be released at Concepts on their official release date of August 29th with the box price of $145.

Concepts
37 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.868.2001
[MAP]