Nike Kobe 5 Protro “What The Rick” Releasing In 2027

September 16, 2026

New York Knicks fans, your 2027 Sneaker of the Year pick is in. Jalen Brunson, captain of the Knicks and the de facto face of Kobe Brand in the NBA, is following his highly sought-after Kobe 6 Protro “Statue of Liberty” PE with another box office sensation. Sneaker Market Romania reports that the captain’s Nike Kobe 5 Protro “What The Rick” will see a public launch come Summer 2027, a tribute to his father, mentor, and assistant coach Rick Brunson.

Not many people can relate to what Rick Brunson experienced earlier this summer, watching his son become something more than a man and less than a god by delivering the Knicks’ first NBA Championship in half a century. Ask Jalen and he’ll tell you his father is as much a part of that ascension as anyone, the architect of a demanding training routine that started in childhood and instilled the work ethic and mentality needed to succeed at the highest level, all from a former player himself.

Debuted on April 24th, 2025, during Game 3 of the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, the Kobe 5 Protro “What The Rick” is a mashup inspired by the franchises Rick Brunson played for across his nine-year career as an NBA journeyman: the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Houston Rockets. The Knicks, for obvious reasons, stand front and center, the team’s signature blue and orange holding down the forefoot and quarter.

Jalen Brunson’s Nike Kobe 5 Protro “What The Rick” is due out Summer 2027, meaning sometime between next April and June. Nike will likely mark the rollout with activations and early releases in NYC before going wide. Check out detailed images below and visit our Sneaker Release Dates page to browse more upcoming basketball shoes.