Zack Schlemmer 
Another year has passed, and by now, you might think every classic sneaker worth bringing back has already been done. But unless you’re content with the steady flow of the same retro Jordans releasing year after year, there are probably at least a couple vintage silhouettes you’re still waiting on to make a comeback. Most would agree that Nike has the deepest arsenal of sneakers still worthy of a comeback, and they’re definitely the brand with the best selection of classic hoops models waiting in the wings.
In this latest edition of Sneaker News NINE@NINE, we’ll offer up our picks for nine of best Nike Basketball models still waiting for some new life. From high-profile signature models to some slightly obscure designs that you maybe didn’t even know you wanted until you saw them here, we think you’ll agree that all of these classic kicks are more than worthy of a comeback. Continue on to check out each of our selections, and if you think we missed anything, sound off in the comments section below.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
We all assume LeBron’s first signature shoe will retro eventually, but forgive us, Nike, for being impatient. Nobody wants to wait for LeBron’s retirement to start seeing his early models return!
Nike Air Shake Ndestrukt
The shoe from 1996 as unique and funky as its endorser Dennis Rodman is a no-brainer for a comeback. They sort of returned a couple years back in a modified version, but let’s be honest; nobody was excited about those.
Nike Zoom Hawk Flight
Gary Payton’s first (unofficial) signature shoe has always been a favorite among Nike Basketball aficionados thanks to its flashy and unique look. With the recent resurgence in Gary Payton’s line thanks to the success of The Glove last year, we think the time is right for the Hawk Flight to make a comeback, as well.
Nike Zoom GP II
A second Gary Payton model makes this list: the Zoom GP II. Part Glove, part Hyperflight, the Zoom GP II is all style, and definitely a model worthy of a return.
Nike Air Garnett 1
Undeservedly obscured in Nike Basketball history, the Kevin Garnett’s first signature shoe features a fairly simple, yet awesome design. Here’s hoping that whenever KG (finally) retires, Nike will give him a nod with a retro of this classic model.
Nike Zoom Ultraflight
We all got teased with some images of samples of an Ultraflight retro last year that ended up getting scrapped, but we’re not giving up hope yet. Bring’em back!
Nike Air MZ3
A somewhat forgotten late-90s classic from Nike, the MZ3 has everything that a successful retro sneaker needs: flash, visible technology, and a cult following waiting for its return.
Nike Air Flight ’89 High
Its mid-top counterpart has gotten plenty of love throughout the years, but the awesome high-top version of the Flight ’89 still toils in relative obscurity. It’s one of the greatest sneaker injustices ever.
Nike Air Unlimited
The return of the Air Command Force proved that super high-top sneakers will sell, so there’s definitely no better time to finally bring back one of David Robinson’s other classic models, the Air Unlimited. Always near the top of most Nike Basketball fans’ “please retro” list, these strapped-up monsters are long overdue for a comeback.
