The Nike Kobe 5 "WTR" is notable for its striking colors and the meaningful story embedded in each panel. The "WTR" here stands for "What The Rick," honoring Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson's dad and a former NBA player who now works as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. The shoe's design includes eight uniquely colored sections, each symbolizing one of the eight NBA teams Rick played for throughout his nine-year career from 1997 to 2006.
Breaking down the hidden meaning behind Kobe 5 “WTR” sneakers
The New York Knicks' classic blue and orange design on Jalen Brunson's Kobe 5 "WTR" PE really reflects Rick Brunson's NBA story, showing his two stints with New York, which were interrupted by a short time in Boston. He was signed mid-season in January 1999 after playing in the CBA and overseas, joining a tough Knicks team led by Patrick Ewing and coached by Jeff Van Gundy.
Rick Brunson's time with the Boston Celtics during the 2000-01 NBA season was brief but it added a lively green thread to the "WTR" sneaker tribute, representing his short time in the iconic franchise's colors.
The purple panel brings to mind Rick Brunson's brief yet spirited stint with the Toronto Raptors during the 2002-03 season, a mid-season trade that showcased his worth as a dependable floor leader amidst team chaos.
Rick Brunson's Red from Bulls panel celebrates his main connection to Chicago during the 2002-03 season, where he spent most of his time in a rebuilding phase filled with young talent and tough losses.
The green and yellow SuperSonics panel represents Rick Brunson's injury-riddled yet spirited finish with Seattle in the 2005-06 season, a brief one-month period that combined hope and struggle on a playoff-bound team.
The blue and red colors from Kobe 5 “WTR” are of the Los Angeles Clippers that shows Rick's standout season in 2004-05, which was his only full year in L.A. He became a key player on a 37-45 team that was looking to compete. After being signed in July 2004 to strengthen the point guard lineup behind Marko Jaric, Rick really shone under coach Mike Dunleavy.
The Houston Rockets' vibrant red finishes Rick's NBA chapter in 2005-06, a waiver-wire acquisition that infused grit into a 34-48 team while Tracy McGrady dealt with injuries. Acquired on March 2, 2006, from Seattle, the 33-year-old Rick provided crucial late-season depth under coach Jeff Van Gundy.
The red and black on Jalen’s Kobe 5 “WTR” pay homage to Rick Brunson's entry into the NBA with the 1997-98 Portland Trail Blazers, where a 25-year-old who went undrafted found his opportunity in the tough Northwest Division.
Next time you see Jalen Brunson on the court in his Kobe 5 “WTR” sneakers, pay attention to the colors. They are not just for style. Each section tells a story of his father Rick Brunson’s journey through the NBA, the teams he played for, and the challenges he overcame. It is a small but powerful way to honor the dedication that built the foundation for Jalen’s own game.