Michael Jordan has been getting plenty of touching farewells as he circles cities as an NBA player for the final time.

But the most fitting tribute to "His Airness" will come tonight in Atlanta during pre-game warmups, when several of his fellow All-Stars will pull on various versions of the 17 previous models of Air Jordan sneakers.

For the last week, Nike executives have been working on the tribute, company spokesman Eric Oberman said. The world's No. 1 athletic shoe brand has sent shoes to all All-Stars, including players who are not contracted by Nike.

While it is not clear how many players will follow through with the gesture, Nike is helped by the fact that it has more than half of the 24 All-Stars under contract, including Jordan, the Celtics' Paul Pierce, the Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal and Rockets center Yao Ming.

Nike spokesmen Jason Kidd of the Nets and Gary Payton of the Sonics have taken charge to try to get as many players as possible to wear the Jordans.

"The NBA All-Star Game is the grand stage to show off our latest styles and newest technologies in basketball footwear," Oberman said. "But we also want to look back and pay tribute to what Michael has stood for.

"For Nike and for the NBA, this is an opportunity for the guys to show respect in his last All-Star Game."

Darren Rovell, who covers sports business for ESPN.com, can be reached at darren.rovell@espn3.com.