These Might Be The Only Boston Celtics Nike Kobes You’ll Ever See

In case you missed it, Nike is rolling out a Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Day” pack featuring colorways inspired by each team from the start of the 1996 NBA Draft through Kobe’s landing spot at No. 13. Here we’re looking at what could be the “Boston Celtics” edition, a rare, almost unheard-of concept rooted in the Lakers’ most notorious rival.

A Celtics-themed Kobe signature is about as unlikely as it gets, and by our count, there’s never been a true “Celtics” Kobe Bryant shoe. Boston players have worn green-based Kobes over the years, like Jrue Holiday in the UNDEFEATED x Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Fir”, but nothing directly tied to the franchise. This pair draws its connection from Antoine Walker, the No. 6 pick in 1996 and a three-time All-Star who later won a title with the Heat in 2006.

Coincidentally, like Kobe, Walker also had early ties to adidas’ Feet You Wear line during the early stages of his career, most notably through the adidas Real Deal. There’s also some Kobe-Celtics lore tied to a pre-draft workout he had for the team in 1996, where he was photographed wearing Boston Celtics warmups – an image Lakers fans can only describe as “cursed.” Jayson Tatum, a lifelong Kobe fan, has even recreated the look in practice.

The Kobe 4 Protro “Milwaukee Bucks” features an awfully similar design, but #6 numbering on the insoles confirms that this is in fact the Celtics pair. Keep an eye on our Sneaker Release Dates page for updates as more details come in.