Undefeated x Nike Basketball MVPuppets T-shirt

This Saturday, December 19th marks Undefeated’s newest sports-based collaboration as they join forces with Nike Basketball on the release of the MVPuppets t-shirt collection. Arguably, the MVPuppets campaign from Nike Basketball has been one of the more memorable campaigns as of late featuring puppet versions of two heralded ball players in LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. To provide a little more insight into the project, we spoke with Undefeated’s KB Lee. The shirts will release this weekend on Saturday at UNDFTD with a retail price of $32 USD.

Could you give us a little run-down of this whole upcoming project you guys are about to drop?

KB: It is a collaboration between Undefeated and Nike Basketball. An Undefeated Most Valuable Puppet Tee. This is the first time there has been a collaboration with the Puppet Tees and we are very excited about it. There are two versions of the shirt. We (Nike and Undefeated) both have our own colorways.

While Kobe’s the home-town favorite, what are your thoughts on LeBron?

KB: King James, he’s the king, what else can I say?

What has been your favorite MVPuppets to date?

KB: All of them. Two of your favorite players in puppet form, the whole idea is great.

What was the idea behind the design?

KB: We wanted the U-Man interacting with the Kobe & Lebron Puppets in their memorable moments. We were privileged with the help of Walter Lee and Michael Spoljaric from Nike. Finsta was the Artist behind the project.

What’s the general atmosphere like on game day in LA?

KB: All eyes and all ears on the Lakers. Period.

Most memorable LeBron/Kobe experiences?

Kobe: We had an event with Nike and Kobe one time, releasing the McFly Hyperdunks. He came in a DeLorean and took the time to sign autographs and take photos with his fans. Very cool guy. Also, Every Buzzer-beating moment that Kobe makes.

Lebron: I was a fan since he was in highschool, and to see the next big thing in basketball coming to his boiling point, the future was an exciting event to look forward to.

How do you think the MVPuppets stack up against some of Nike’s other campaigns in the past?

KB: I think they are all great, you can’t really compare them. They are really good at targeting their audience, especially with a global scale. For example, here in the U.S., you don’t get to see the crazy soccer commercials that they’ve made, except on Youtube. They know how to conceptualize and execute the right material to the right audience/region/country. Each campaign has its timing too and they have been evolving through out the years.

Do you think that this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of working with Nike on a performance level? Given that this collaboration is more along the lines of performance (since both LeBron/Kobe endorse performance shoes), will UNDFTD look to explore this option?

KB: Undefeated being a sports oriented brand we would love to work more with Nike on a performance level. Stay tuned.

What other colorways of the shirt will be released and when? How much will they retail for?

KB: Undefeated will get the Heather Gray Kobe’s and Black Lebron Shirts, released on December 19th (Only at Undefeated stores.) Nike will have White Kobe’s and Tan Lebron Tees, released on Christmas day (available through nikebasketball.com.) They will be $32 USD each.