On Saturday, Nike released the Air Jordan 3 based off the original sketch designer Tinker Hatfield drew back in 1987, when he was suddenly tasked with creating the next signature shoe for Michael Jordan.
But there also was much more on the line. Difficult as it may be to fathom, Jordan was prepared to join competitor Adidas. The decision would’ve altered the Nike’s fortunes, as the Jordan Brand has developed into a $3 billion dollar subsidiary.
On top of needing to convince Jordan to remain with Nike, Hatfield faced the challenge of delivering a product that had was unlike any other seen on the hardwood.