allen iverson
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Source: Reebok / Reebok
This new crop of sneakerheads may not know it, but the Jay-Z and G-Unit Reebok sneakers were big back in the early 2000s. It looks like we might get to see them hit shelves again if Shaq and A.I. have anything to say about it.
In a recent episode of Sneaker Shopping With Complex, the President and VP of Reebok’s basketball division, Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson gave us older Hip-Hop heads a ray of hope when they suggested they’d be willing to retro Jay-Z’s “S. Dot” silhouettes and 50 Cent’s “G-Unit” sneakers. After Joe La Puma brought up the topic of Jay-Z pulling out a pair of S. Dot’s for his outfit at the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, Shaquille chimed in saying, “We know Jay-Z. Jay-Z if you watchin’ we wanna holla at cha. ” To which Iverson added, “That’s right,” suggesting that a business offer for a retro of the classic S. Dot’s might be on the table.
Looking to make another retro possibly happen, La Puma then asked if it was possible that the “G-Unit” sneakers could also see a return to shelves with Shaq saying, “Of course, so 50, when I call you, holla, Jay-Z, we’ll be calling ya. We definitely want to give the fans and the consumer what they want, but we’re also gonna be coming with new styles and new technologies. But, shout out to Jay-Z, shout out to 50 Cent. We definitely will be having a conversation with them very soon.”
Real talk, this needs to happen.
As to whether or not Jay and 50 would be willing to have Reebok retro their classic sneakers remains to be seen, but if they do, don’t be surprised if everyone you see rocking the S. Dot’s or G-Unit sneakers are over the age of 30 and 40. Just sayin’.
Check out Shaq and A.I. talk about the S. Dot’s and G-Unit sneakers below around the 7-minute mark, and let us know if you’d cop any of those kicks in the comments section.
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Source: Reebok / Reebok
Looks like Reebok has decided to give Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson a little something-something for their decades of loyalty. The athletic footwear brand has just named Shaq president of their basketball division and A.I. as vice president.
Reebok announced the move to elevate the two NBA icons to executive level businessmen Thursday (Oct. 12) and truth be told, we couldn’t be happier with the decision. Given Shaq and Iverson’s history with the company, they deserve to get the roles they’ve been blessed with. And we hope that it only helps the brand grow in popularity amongst both NBA players and everyday sneakerheads who live for Nike and Yeezys. (Yes, Yeezy’s are still popular out on these streets regardless of Kanye’s erratic antics.)
“We are thrilled to be expanding upon our partnership with Shaquille with this historic appointment,” said Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky in a statement. “With the combination of his deep-rooted history with Reebok and reigning influence he’s made on the game, there is no one better than this guy to take the helm and lead our brand back to reclaiming its rightful place and dominance in basketball.”
Shaq has been riding for Reebok ever since he linked up with the brand back during his rookie season in 1992. The Big Aristotle’s job description includes leading Reebok’s back to a being “dominant force” in the sneaker and apparel space and sport.
“We’re back, baby! Get ready,” said Shaq about his new gig in a statement. As for Iverson, he’s tasked with driving “player recruitment, grassroots and community-based initiatives, and athlete activations like the Iverson Classic,” per Reebok.
We. Love. It.
Now that Shaq and “The Answer” are going to be the driving force behind Reebok’s NBA division, don’t be surprised if you see more players in the NBA rocking some “Shaqnosis” or “Question Mids” in different colorways out on the hardwood floor this season or next.
What do y’all think about Reebok’s move to promote Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson to executive level personnel? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Authentic Brands Group / Reebok
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand owner, development and entertainment platform, today (Jan. 10) announced that it has partnered with Allen Iverson to further develop his brand.
The basketball legend is looking to advance his reach globally. Authentic Brands Group will focus on growing Iverson’s entertainment business, securing new endorsements and strategic partnerships, as well as consumer products that are as electrifying and original as the man himself. Early in his career, Iverson’s outspoken nature and winning mentality earned him the nickname “The Answer,” which became the foundation for his longstanding relationship with Reebok.
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Through Reebok, which it acquired in February 2022, Authentic has an inherent link to Iverson who is in the 26th year of his lifetime partnership with the brand.
“Authentic and I share a commitment to being number one and accepting nothing less,” said Iverson via a press statement. “Our shared values and their relentless drive to disrupt the branding industry make Authentic the ideal partner to take my brand to the next level.” Marc Rosen, President at Authentic, shared his enthusiasm via a formal statement. “Allen is a Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable basketball players of all time,” he said. “A trailblazer both on and off the court, Allen paved the way for professional athletes today and we see significant opportunities to build on that success.”
Spanning 14 seasons and seven All-NBA teams, Iverson had a long-term tenure with the NBA. He is regarded as one of the best scorers in NBA history, is an 11-time NBA all-star, won Most Valuable Player in 2001 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
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