Remember the Air Jordan 2 “Melo” ?

Longtime New York Knick and Jordan Brand athlete Carmelo Anthony turns 31 today. Having a rough season with the Knicks and even being called out as being the most overrated player in the NBA, Melo is probably itching for Phil Jackson to work his magic during the off-season and start a new year of his life. Overrated or not, you don’t become a Jordan member without a ton of talent and skills. Entering his 13th professional season with his 12th signature sneaker, he has his share of special Jordan’s in his closet. One pair that was more attainable to sneakerheads was the Air Jordan 2 “Melo” that released back in 2004.

This Player Exclusive (P.E.) colorway of the Air Jordan 2 signified his time with the team that drafted him out of college, the Denver Nuggets. Back in 2004, P.E.’s were much rarer than they are today and usually not released to the public, as many are today. These were nearly identical to the pair Melo had–they left out only his name, stitched on the side of his PE. Compared to how the sneakers would have sold nowadays they were somewhat slept on when they released, especially considering the smooth colorway. The white upper on the sneaker was comprised of a mix of smooth and faux lizard while the accenting comes in the form of University Blue and Varsity Maize. The yellow is used more sparingly by popping up on the tongue, heel, and part of the midsole. The blue takes up more of the accenting duties including the laces, liner, piping, and midsole.

Love him or hate him, Carmelo Anthony is one of the most dynamic players of the NBA. These Air Jordan 2’s made for him were a special pair that gave regular consumers a chance to rock something we saw on court over a decade ago. Now imagine if Jordan Brand would make a Knicks colored pair and released them, hmmm…..