All illustrations by Erin Kelly (@erinkelly_)

The Nike Kobe 9 has been an innovative sneaker for Nike and Kobe Bryant, even though he hasn't worn it during a game this season. It's Nike's first basketball sneaker with a Flyknit upper, and it diverged from Kobe's run of low-cut signature sneakers.

So it had us thinking: What would the Kobe 9 look like if it came out in makeups inspired by classic Nike color schemes along with hits from Kobe's past?

Well, we did just that. Here's Imagining Classic Nike Colorways on the Kobe 9.

RELATED: Imagining a Kanye West x New Balance 997 Collection

RELATED: Nike Air Yeezy 3: Designer Brett Golliff Imagines The Future