S otheby’s, in partnership with the NBA, NBCA, and the “To The Max Foundation”, is proud to present 27 custom Nike Air Force 1 sneakers worn by NBA Coaches on the sidelines from April 2 through April 12, 2024 to celebrate and bring awareness to Autism Acceptance Month.
Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Scott Morrison and his wife started the To the Max Foundation after their son Max was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Foundation sets out to support autistic individuals and their families on their journey to reach their greatest potential - their max. The sneaker initiative with the NBA Coaches sought to emphasize that while Autistic people may see and experience the world differently, it is not bad or less than, it is simply different. Autistic individuals have so much to offer and are so much more than a label and just like anyone else, they are deserving of support, acceptance, inclusion, and above all else, kindness.
“This show of support for the autistic community by NBA teams and coaches is remarkable. We are blessed to be in a position to spread a positive message of understanding, and we’re grateful to the Jazz for supporting our efforts to generate acceptance for autistic individuals. Our family will continue to do what we can to generate resources for individuals with autism who deserve our support on the journey to reaching their full potential.”
The NBA Head Coaches’ game worn custom Air Force 1’s are being auctioned off in partnership with NBA Auctions and Sotheby’s, with all proceeds to provide support, resources, and assistance to individuals and families living with ASD. The sneakers are part of NBA Auctions: Primetime Performers, which will be open for bidding from May 29 through June 4.
"They are people. They may see things differently than you and I, but they deserve our love, they deserve our kindness. Most importantly they deserve our inclusion in everything”
The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. Previously realized in running shoes, the introduction of Nike’s ‘Air’ technology in the midsole was a revolutionary concept for basketball sneakers. Tasked with bringing the concept to life, designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer brought the project to fruition with a hiking boot-inspired, ankle-strapped, high top. Kilgore’s first basketball sneaker, the Air Force 1 was brought to market in 1982.
*100% of the net proceeds from the hammer price of the sneakers is being remitted to The To the Max Foundation.
