OKC Thunder cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander announces his new shoe deal with Converse
Wednesday, July 8th is the travel day for the OKC Thunder who head to Orlando and the Disney bubble. However, it’s also a big day for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he earmarked it for the announcement of his new sneaker deal.
The Canadian teased fans asking which kick’s company he should sign with via his Instagram story. Four brands were mentioned including Converse, New Balance, Under Armour, and adidas. If you’re wondering why NIKE or Jordan brand wasn’t on the list — the teaser probably hinted it was Converse. This because the guard signed with NIKE coming into the league and Converse is under their umbrella.
That said, we’ve seen him wear various kicks on and off the court so his top choice wasn’t something we could definitively know ahead of time.
Darius Bazley had a hot take — but then again his internship and his own sponsorship with New Balance was always going to take precedent for his fellow hoopster.
Also on Shai’s Instagram was a teaser that said ‘When I get back to the game, it’ll be with 🤫. Find out where the drip is landing tomorrow.👀’
As you can see the shoe was blurred out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCWp8MVJwlT/
This morning Nick DePaula used Twitter with the same picture and the shoe no longer blurred as the announcement on the deal with Converse was formalized.
EXCLUSIVE: Converse has signed OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a multi-year shoe deal.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 8, 2020
“I just saw originality, expression and creativity,” says @ShaiGlAlex.
Inside how SGA became the newest face of the @Converse brand, on @ESPN: https://t.co/6c1nHKKcp1 pic.twitter.com/MOvghRaRrl
The full story on why he elected to go with Converse is covered by Nick DePaula of ESPN. Gilgeous-Alexander will join Kelly Oubre Jr., Draymond Green, and WNBA champion Natasha Cloud, as other stars who represent Converse.
Oubre Jr. inspired SGA with the shoes he worked with Converse to create and like the Thunder combo guard is known for his fashion-forward style.
Even the positioning and direction of the brand feels like SGA’s own brand could’ve written the directive. To wit, the rebranding is focused on individuality which is something the Kentucky alum is known for with his fashion.
While Gilgeous-Alexander is in Orlando he’ll wear the Converse All Star Pro BB Low style.
"‘But with a little SGA spizazz on it” – Gilgeous-Alexander"
As noted in DePaula’s article this season SGA has predominantly worn the Kobe AD 360 NXT which is similar to the Converse All Star Pro BB Low style. The designer for both shoes is Eric Avar so it’s clear Gilgeous-Alexander is fond of that designer and comfortable in that type of shoe.
OKC Thunder fans should be delighted by one quote in the article by SGA that he gave DePaula while packing for Orlando…
"“I got hella clothes I need to pack,” he said with a laugh. “I plan to be gone for the NBA Finals — so two, three months.”"
The confidence by SGA is awesome and as T.I. noted previously there’s a good reason for him and his club to be so confident.
Safe travels to the OKC Thunder squad today in their fly to Orlando and congrats to Shai on his new kicks deal. We’re sure he’ll be dripping with style on and off the court in the Disney bubble.