SAN ANTONIO — To celebrate his 2023-24 Rookie of the Year Award and his love for all things Star Wars, San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama introduced a pair of Chewbacca-inspired kicks: “Wookie of the Year” Nike GT Hustles.
And yes, as you might have expected, they are furry, just like Chewie!
However, the Spurs center had no idea the fuzzball sneakers were made just for him.
"It was a surprise for me. It was gifted to me. I didn't know about it," Wembanyama said.
The sneakers feature long, brown, and black shaggy fur, like the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon. The Nike swoosh is silver, and the strap is brown, a nod to Chewie's iconic bandolier.
Although he says he does not know the inspiration for the sneakers, considering Wemby towers over most people the way Chewie does, it is not surprising that the sneakers' creator chose Wookie-inspired custom kicks.
"I don't know where the idea came from, but I love the name 'Wookie of the Year,'" he said. "It was nice attention."
Those are nice words from Wemby because he knows it is not wise to upset a Wookie.
His Star Wars whirlwind did not end with the custom kicks. He made his way to Space Con 2024 in San Antonio, where he caught up with actors Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader), and Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano). He even got himself a new lightsaber and met with the popular "Star Wars Theory" YouTube show host.
It is unknown if the Wookie kicks will be for sale to the public, but it is highly likely they won't, considering they were made just for him.
And before you think about strangling Lando Calrissian on Cloud City or scaring a mouse droid on the Death Star in a fit of rage as Chewie did, note that no Wookies were harmed in making his Wookie sneakers.
Wemby confirms it's not real Wookie fur on the sneakers.
"That's as close as it gets," Wemby says.
But it makes you wonder, is it Ewok fur?
Also, you have to wonder if a set of sneakers, such as a Capt. Han Solo or a Falcon-themed pair could be on the horizon to pair with the "Wookie of the Year" kicks.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Let us know on X at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursKENS5.