Converse has returned to form in the NBA. Leading the brand’s rebirth with the goal of competing with Adidas and Nike is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since its founding in 1908, the Massachusetts-based company has been connected to basketball.
In the 1980s, the NBA saw rapid expansion as a league. With the arrival of the “Bad Boys,” Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, the rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers, and Jordan’s Bulls, the world’s best basketball league started to spread abroad.
Magic Johnson against Larry Bird and Converse.
The legendary sneaker brand had a golden age before Nike, Jordan, and Adidas became well-known. During this time, it produced some extremely amazing sneakers for athletes on the professional circuit.
Their downfall can be directly linked to rival brands’ explosive growth. But Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is the one who has brought back their legacy as a vital part of the league.
The American label, Converse, has been a staple across generations in the NBA, worn by both young and seasoned stars alike. Icons like Aguirre, Bird, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, Bernard King, and Dr. J were among the early product promoters from various backgrounds, showcasing the broad appeal of the brand.
The Lakers-Celtics and Magic-Bird rivalries of the 1980s served as inspiration for Converse’s catchphrase, contributing to its widespread popularity during a period of unprecedented global growth.
One of Converse’s popular styles, the Chuck Taylor, is named after a player who regularly wore them, further solidifying its place in basketball history.
In a more contemporary context, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have embraced Converse’s resurgence. Gilgeous-Alexander, known for dazzling onlookers with his unique all-gold Converse during pregame warmups, signed with the brand in the summer of 2020. He sported the Willy Wonka x Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX Low in a game where he scored 24 points and contributed 7 assists in the Thunder’s win over the Warriors.
Other NBA players, such as Kelly Oubre, Draymond Green, and De’Aaron Fox, have also been associated with Converse, showcasing the brand’s continued influence on the league’s fashion scene. The list of Converse wearers includes Malik Beasley, Jordan Clarkson, PJ Tucker, and De’Anthony Melton, among others.
The resurgence of Converse in the NBA reflects a nostalgic time travel, leaving fans hopeful for what the future holds. The shoes that played a pivotal role in the league’s early success are once again becoming a prominent trend, bridging eras from Shai to Larry and Magic, maintaining their status as a constant presence in the NBA.
