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Heading into the 2022 NBA Playoffs with a first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ja Morant addressed the potential for trash talk by saying: “We ain’t ducking no smoke. We running up the chimney.” It was a great quote in a marginally successful year for Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies — but now it’s sure to live on for much longer thanks to his signature sneaker and a behind-the-scenes decision from Nike that didn’t stay that way.
The first half of the quote was set to appear on a new version of the Ja 1 sneaker, as revealed by official images pulled from the Nike server. Just two days later, however, updated images in the same place show Nike has decided to cover up the text in an apparent effort to avoid any blowback for the choice of words.
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Originally, “We ain’t ducking no smoke” appeared in a hand-written font near the shoe’s lateral heel. But the latest photos of the sneaker show Morant’s signature on a black patch in place of the old mark. “Smoke” is often used as a slang term for a conflict or confrontation, and it seems Nike wants no such associations given the two gun controversies Morant has been involved with this year.
Footwear News has reached out to Nike for comment and will update if a response is given. Typically, the company doesn’t comment on leaked sneakers.
The black upper makes use of pebbled leather and mesh as it sits above an off-white sole unit and features a hazy, translucent TPU Swoosh. Mismatched Morant logos on the tongue then appear in yellow and blue, the official colors of the Grizzlies but also two of the shades Morant favors in his dreadlocks.
Morant’s quote actually originates from even earlier in the season, as he alluded to the second time around. The first time he said it was following a contentious matchup against the New York Knicks in February in which Julius Randle was ejected after getting into it with Desmond Bane on several occasions. The quote also appeared on a more colorful, player-exclusive colorway for the Ja 1 that Morant wore last Christmas. Based on Morant and the Grizzlies’ on-court behavior since, and now a commemorative sneaker that’ll be released to the public, the smoke continues to go un-ducked.
Even with this backstory, Nike is playing it safe not longer after some wouldn’t have blamed the company from severing ties with the young star. The NBA has handed down two suspensions to Morant this year, the second of which will see him sit out the first 25 games of the upcoming season. In March, Morant was first suspended for eight games after an Instagram Live video showed him holding a gun inside a Denver strip club. Just two months later, Morant was once again seen holding a gun on the very same platform.
Following the second suspension, Nike issued the following statement: “Nike is pleased that Morant is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court.”
Although no official release details have been confirmed, the Nike Ja 1 “Smoke” is expected to release Oct. 6 for $110. The Ja 1 “Zombie” is also expected to release next month, which could make a nice one-two punch for the best Ja 1s yet going into the new NBA season.
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About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
