Jordan Melo 1.5. "Hoodie Melo" Release Date

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Later tonight, Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder will square off against the Utah Jazz in a pivotal Game 6. Melo’s first year in OKC has been far from perfect, but with his team in the playoffs this postseason sees the last phase of what’s been a troublesome yet resurgent year for Melo.

Like many NBA players, Melo’s season actually began last summer. Going into one of the most critical seasons of his 14 year career, Melo reinvented himself. Working closely with NBA trainer extraordinaire, Chris Brickley, in New York City, Melo was more focused than he’d be in a long while. He was sharp, dedicated, in some of the best shape of his life and, of course, doing it all in his hoodie.

Videos of Melo began flooding everyone’s Twitter and IG feeds. The energy surrounding his restorative season in OKC was beginning to mount. We needed a name for this transition. Something that would champion his rejuvenation and play on his apparel choice. Hoodie Melo was born after.

Now, almost a year later, Hoodie Melo is the only thing that can help the Thunder get over the hump. Jordan Brand is doing their part to inspire the former NCAA champion by earlier this morning releasing its Air Jordan 9 “MOP Melo,” an ode to his 2003 championship and Freshman of the Year campaign at Syracuse.

That commemorative Air Jordan 9 appears to be just the beginning. Next month Jordan will release a “Hoodie Melo” inspired Melo 1.5. Blacked out like the hoodies he’d don in training sessisons, Thunder colored Wings branding odes to his new squad and his pivotal role in their success. The shoe’s original hangtag from 2004 will also accompany this release which is also scored with a “.5” stamp at the heel.

Although Melo’s signature collection appears to be at a stand still in terms of new numbered editions, Jordan Brand is honoring their longest-tenured signature athlete not named Michael in the best way possible. As with Jordan himself, Melo retros serve as the second lifespan of the series. Things are off to an inspired start with only excitement ahead.

The Jordan Melo 1.5 “Hoodie Melo” is set to release on May 1 via Nike SNKRS.