Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has confirmed he personally hand-sketched the design for his upcoming Nike SHAI 002 signature sneaker, scheduling the brand-new model for a retail release in early 2027.
Creative Control Drives the SHAI 002
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wants his hands on every line of his footwear. During a recent interview with TIME, the NBA guard revealed that he personally drew the designs for his second signature silhouette by hand. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar previously handled the initial sketches for his debut model, the SHAI 001, and carried that exact same hands-on approach directly into the development of his upcoming second shoe.
From Converse to Nike Basketball
The SHAI 002 stands as the athlete’s very first entirely original signature sneaker designed specifically under the Nike Basketball umbrella. While his first silhouette initially launched under Converse before transitioning to prominently display the Nike logo during an Oklahoma City media day, this second model deepens his direct creative partnership with Nike since his official brand shift in June 2026. Technical specifications, pricing, and official product imagery for the sneaker remain strictly confidential.
What Fans Can Expect on Release Day
When TIME asked the guard what supporters should anticipate from the upcoming drop, Gilgeous-Alexander offered a direct assessment of his work. “A sick design,” he said in the interview. “Because I drew it. That’s all I can tell you.” Nike and the player have slated the official retail launch of the Nike SHAI 002 for early 2027, marking the next milestone in his signature footwear lineage.
