Reviving a Bygone Era: OKC Thunder Star Shai Brings Back Converse Sneakers to the NBA Scene

In the 1980s, the NBA experienced meteoric growth as a league. The NBA initiated its global expansion in the wake of the Celtics and Lakers rivalries, the ‘Bad Boys’ duo of Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Magic Johnson versus Larry Bird and… Converse.

Before the ascent of Nike, Jordan, and Adidas, the renowned sneaker manufacturer experienced a prosperous period in which it manufactured exceptional footwear specifically designed for professional athletes.

Their precipitous ascent is directly linked to the downfall of rival brands. On the contrary, Gilgeous-Alexander, an outstanding point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a league leader, has played a pivotal role in reinstating their reputation as an essential element of the league.

Young and elderly celebrities alike sported the American insignia. Present at all times in all courts. Aguirre, Bird, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, Bernard King, and Dr. J. are examples of upper-class product promoters whose numbers have decreased over time.

Select a weapon. During the 1980s, the Lakers-Celtics and Magic-Bird rivalries provided motivation for Converse’s catchphrase, which sought to resonate with a broad demographic. The timing was impeccable, given that the global community was undergoing an unprecedented period of expansion at the moment.

A popular design, the Chuck Taylor, is also named after the athlete who first began donning them frequently.

(1922) Converse and Gilgeous-Alexander

During pregame warmups for the Thunder’s 109–128 victory over the Warriors at Chase Center, the point guard dazzled spectators with an odd pair of all-gold Converse.

By virtue of his 24 points and 7 assists while donning the Willy Wonka x Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX Low, he emerged as the preeminent performer of the contest. Gilgeous-Alexander, an early adopter of Converse’s resurgence, signed a contract with the brand during the summer of 2020.

Additionally, one of the most fashionable athletes in the league, Kelly Oubre, was affiliated with the brand. In recent seasons, Draymond Green has experienced a meteoric rise to fame, and De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings has emerged as the other significant character.

Malik Beasley (Milwaukee Bucks), Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz), PJ Tucker (Los Angeles Clippers), and De’Anthony Melton (Philadelphia 76ers), among others, are among the NBA players who don these shoes.

A form of time travel that inspires optimism for the future. It appears that these shoes, which were crucial to the early success of the league, are once again fashionable. Shai transitions to Larry and magic. Converse were an institution in the NBA.