When the Nike Ja 1 was revealed on Christmas Day, it was only a matter of time before the inaugural silhouette’s slate of inspirational colorways would make its debut. After donning both versions of the “Day One” proposition throughout the month of January, brand images of Ja Morant’s latest tonal ensemble have landed in a colorful homage to the Memphis Grizzlies’ early days in Vancouver.

Dubbed the “Scratch”, this Ja 1 pays tribute to the expansion team’s initial turquoise, red and black palette from the late 90s, the silhouette’s diversely tooled upper indulges in the synonymous vibrant blue hue while crimson red accents outfit both the mesh sock liner and tongue trim.

 

Attributing the grizzly bear’s brown fur coat along the tongue tab and the left heel’s embroidered #12, the adjacent counter pairs with the laces for a contrasted pitch-black tone. The chosen collection of shades isn’t the only honorary embellishment as black and white scratches mimic the All-Star’s relentless attack toward the glass with clawed marks along the forefoot, Swoosh and Air Zoom midsole.

Beyond just a colorway application, “Scratch” nods to Ja’s upwards climb, defeating the odds, and dedication to scratching his way to the apex of the game.