Nike Ja 1 'Xmas' Drops Same Day as Morant Returns to Action

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's Christmas-themed sneakers drop the same day his suspension ends.

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It has been a long time since basketball fans last saw Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant on the court. After serving a 25-game suspension, the NBA All-Star is returning to action on December 19 in a road game against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Besides the Grizzlies, no organization is more eager to see Morant back on the hardwood than Nike. Earlier this year, Nike launched Morant's first signature sneaker, the Nike Ja 1, making him the brand's first-ever Gen-Z signature athlete.

As luck would have it, Morant's first game back coincides perfectly with the release of his new Christmas-themed sneakers. Below is everything athletes and fans must know about the Nike Ja 1 'Xmas' basketball shoes.

Nike Ja 1 'Xmas'

A detailed look at the Nike Ja 1 / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Nike Ja 1 "Xmas" is releasing at 10:00 a.m. EST on the Nike website, Nike SNKRS app, and select retailers. The performance basketball shoes cost $130 in adult sizes and will surely sell out quickly. Fans have coveted the kicks since Morant debuted the same colorway last Christmas Day during a game against the Golden State Warriors. 

The only difference is the phrase "Climb up the chimney" has been concealed with a patch on the back of the left heal. Similar to other colorways, Nike probably wanted to lower the temperature of the rhetoric used on the sneakers.

According to Nike's product description, the colorway "infuses Canyon Purple with hints of hazy Fuschia Dream, symbolizing [Morant's] emergence from the shadowed blacktops to the gleaming hardwoods of the NBA. Pops of red and green pair with fresh snow-capped chimney art on the insole to add in some yuletide spirit."

Morant's acrobatic playstyle is only exceeded by his authentic persona, which makes him a fan-favorite in the basketball community. Let's hope we see more of Morant and his signature sneakers on the court this season. Follow FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.

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