Nikola Jokic is cooperating with another well-known cartoon, as 361 has released SpongeBob variants of the three-time MVP’s sneakers.
Jokic has lately worn SpongeBob colors in practice, hinting at the upcoming release, and it is now confirmed that 361 Degrees is creating hues for the cartoon characters and buddies Patrick, Mr. Krabs, and Squidward.
Jokic left Nike for 361 late in 2023, ending the season with the Chinese footwear company, where teammate Aaron Gordon also has a signature sneaker. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed a deal with 361 in February, making him one of three Nuggets to become brand ambassadors for the sneakers.
“361 treated me with amazing respect. These men want to assist and utilize me. And everytime I read about them, they’re incredibly, really popular,” Jokic remarked during his MVP news conference last week, referring to the 20-year-old Chinese sports brand with over 9,000 outlets worldwide. “They’re truly a growing brand. Maybe I can also aid them in some manner. I absolutely enjoy the quality of the sneaker. They created a shoe that provides comfort.
Jokic is far from the first basketball player to have a sneaker brand, which dates back over 50 years. Jokic isn’t the first MVP to be snubbed by Nike; Steph Curry and James Harden are two past MVPs who were once with Nike but are now elsewhere. Curry is Under Armour’s face, while Harden is one of Adidas’ top basketball stars. Furthermore, Jokic is far from the first to collaborate with SpongeBob and Friends. When Kyrie Irving was at Nike, he also mixed up his sneakers with the renowned Nick cartoon.
Irving and the Mavericks lead their series 3-2 and may face the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals next week. Denver must defeat Minnesota before meeting Dallas, but the MV3 is expected to continue wearing the bright-colored 361 shoes he has worn throughout the playoffs. Jokic’s involvement with SpongeBob is not his first crossover with a cartoon character this year. He appeared alongside the Minnons in a humorous promotional teaser for the forthcoming film Despicable Me 4. Jokic, who clearly enjoys cartoons, will now have shoes that represent one of his most relatable personality qualities.
