The Latest Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Brings it Back to Draft Day 1996

Published May 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Quick Facts

Featuring a full coat of throwback Hornets jersey colors, the engineered mesh upper starts with bright teal on the toe and slowly transitions to purple towards the heel
The Swoosh and sheath tongue logo are both white, just like the midsole
The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Hornets will be released June 1, 2026

This content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission.

Kobe Bryant spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, except for a few minutes on June 26, 1996, when he was initially selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the ‘96 NBA Draft. Coming straight out of high school, Bryant dropped to the 13th pick, where the Hornets snatched him off the board and then immediately flipped him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. We’re big Vlade fans over here, but man, talk about 20-20 hindsight.

To commemorate Bryant’s sliding doors moment with Charlotte, the latest Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro brings out a gradient mix of teal and purple as a tribute - or consolation gift - to the Hornets. Featuring a full coat of throwback Hornets jersey colors, the engineered mesh upper starts with bright teal on the toe and slowly transitions to purple towards the heel. The Swoosh and sheath tongue logo are both white, just like the midsole.

Nike’s Kobe Draft Day Collection

In addition to the Hornets-themed Kobe 9 EM Low Protro, Nike is spending the 30th anniversary of Kobe’s draft class focusing on all 13 teams that skipped over the Mamba. In a new pack of Kobe 4 Protros, The Swoosh is pairing 13 pairs with team colors from the squads that skipped Kobe, including ping pong balls with the pick number on the insoles and a blind box drop. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Hornets Release Info

The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro Hornets will be released June 1, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $190. For all the latest Nike Kobe news, download the Sole Retriever App.