When Nike swooshed in and took over for Adidas as the National Basketball Association’s official uniform supplier (starting this season), the athletic apparel giant probably didn’t expect the players’ socks to get so much attention. Or, more accurately, the way players wear their Nike-branded socks.Nike’s merchandising and marketing deal with the NBA for the next eight seasons is worth an estimated $1 billion, according to ESPN, and includes a significant new benefit. For the first time, the NBA is …