When Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike generated a staggering $126 million in its debut year, it forever transformed the landscape of NBA sneaker deals. From LeBron James’s unprecedented $1 billion lifetime contract with Nike to Kobe Bryant’s revolutionary low-top designs with the Swoosh,

In the era of brand saturation, self-proclaimed influencers and fabricated auras, real superstars still have real impact.

The NBA preseason doesn't always provide the best basketball, but it never fails to produce heartwarming stories. While stars and established players are tuning up and shaking off the rust, dozens of other hopefuls are fighting and battling every minute in an effort to fulfill their NBA dream.