Nike is tapping into one of the most pivotal moments in NBA history with the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day." The colorway references the 1996 NBA Draft, when Kobe Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets before his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. That transaction set the stage for a Hall-of-Fame career, five championships, and a legacy that reshaped the game entirely.
The Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day" builds its story through color. The upper features a gradient construction that moves through the teal and purple tones associated with the Charlotte franchise, directly evoking the Hornets identity Bryant was briefly connected to on draft night. White lands on the midsole and branding, providing clean contrast that keeps the palette grounded and balanced. Despite the narrative weight the colorway carries, the Engineered Mesh construction stays true to the model's lightweight, performance-first roots.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day" is set to release on June 1st, 2026 through Nike and select Nike Basketball retailers for a retail price of $190. To stay informed on all things Nike and to stay up to date with the latest releases, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter.
Nike is tapping into one of the most pivotal moments in NBA history with the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day." The colorway references the 1996 NBA Draft, when Kobe Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets before his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. That transaction set the stage for a Hall-of-Fame career, five championships, and a legacy that reshaped the game entirely.
The Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day" builds its story through color. The upper features a gradient construction that moves through the teal and purple tones associated with the Charlotte franchise, directly evoking the Hornets identity Bryant was briefly connected to on draft night. White lands on the midsole and branding, providing clean contrast that keeps the palette grounded and balanced. Despite the narrative weight the colorway carries, the Engineered Mesh construction stays true to the model's lightweight, performance-first roots.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Draft Day" is set to release on June 1st, 2026 through Nike and select Nike Basketball retailers for a retail price of $190. To stay informed on all things Nike and to stay up to date with the latest releases, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter.
