Converse is making a comeback in the NBA, all thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is spearheading the brand’s revival. Converse aims to go head-to-head with industry giants such as Adidas and Nike, and it seems like they are on the right track. With a deep-rooted history in basketball dating all the way back to 1908, this Massachusetts-based company knows a thing or two about the game.
In the 1980s, the NBA experienced rapid and remarkable expansion. It all began with the dynamic partnership of Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, famously known as the ‘Bad Boys’. Alongside the unforgettable rivalries between the Celtics and Lakers, as well as the undeniable dominance of Jordan’s Bulls, the NBA solidified its position as the premier basketball league on a global scale.
Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson and… Converse.
Before the emergence of Nike, Jordan, and Adidas, Converse, a renowned sneaker company, thrived in an era of greatness by creating exceptionally remarkable athletic shoes exclusively for top-notch athletes.
The surge in popularity of competing brands is the main factor behind their decline. Nevertheless, Gilgeous-Alexander, a prominent point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a standout player in the league, has played a significant role in bringing back the memory of these brands as a crucial part of the league.
From young basketball stars to seasoned veterans, all of them proudly represented the American brand. Converse shoes were a staple on every basketball court, worn by legends like Aguirre, Bird, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, Bernard King, and Dr. J. These players, who were once the face of the upper-class product endorsers, have become scarce over the years.
During the 1980s, the intense rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics, as well as the showdowns between Magic and Bird, served as inspiration for Converse’s famous slogan that aimed to appeal to a wide audience. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the basketball world was experiencing an unprecedented growth during that time.
One of the most popular Converse styles, the Chuck Taylor, was named after a player who consistently wore them. The shoes became a sensation in their own right.
In a recent game between the Thunder and the Warriors at Chase Center, the point guard, Gilgeous-Alexander, turned heads with his unique pair of all-gold Converse during warmups. He went on to score 24 points and contribute 7 assists while wearing the Willy Wonka x Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX low sneakers, solidifying himself as the game’s standout player. Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the early adopters of Converse’s resurgence, as he signed a deal with the brand in the summer of 2020.
Another fashion-forward player in the NBA, Kelly Oubre, has also been associated with Converse. Additionally, rising star Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors and De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings have emerged as prominent figures sporting Converse shoes.
Other NBA players, including Malik Beasley (Milwaukee Bucks), Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz), PJ Tucker (Los Angeles Clippers), and De’Anthony Melton (Philadelphia 76ers), have also been seen rocking these kicks.
It’s like traveling back in time, filled with hope for what’s to come. These shoes, which played a significant role in the NBA’s early success, are once again gaining popularity. From Shai to Larry and Magic, Converse remains a constant presence in the league.