Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander grew up watching Hall of Famer Allen Iverson play in the NBA. The AI not only has a special influence on Gilgeous-Alexander on the pitch, but the effect is also visible when it comes to fashion.
During an interview with For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky, the 24-year-old opened up about the Philadelphia 76ers legend. “Yeah! On the court, he was obviously super electric,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Iverson.
Multiple NBA betting sites give the Thunder the lowest odds in the league to win a championship in 2023. However, some players are betting on them to make the playoffs this season.
“He had the crowd buzzing every time he stepped onto the court, and he was an extreme talent,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued.
“He amazed the world. Off the court, when he defied the dress code and went against the norm, that goes back to what I said before about not being afraid to push the limits.”
“That was one of the main reasons why AI is who it is. He was never afraid to be himself, no matter the situation.
That set him apart from the pack.
”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admired Allen Iverson’s rebellious nature on and off the court.
Next, the Thunder point guard was asked if he had a potential career in fashion. “I’m not quite sure where that road ends or where it leads after I’m done playing,” the Kentucky product explained.
“I haven’t been too focused on it. I’m just focused on getting better and playing. When that time comes, I will take advantage of it in this moment and enjoy it in that moment. I haven’t given it much thought, but I think it will surely be something fashionable.”
In July 2020, prior to his rookie season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a multi-year sneaker and apparel endorsement deal with Converse. Of course, GQ also named the Thunder point guard the “Most Stylish Player” in the NBA this year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore a sweater with Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue to tonight's game against the Clippers. Lue is an assistant on the Clips' staff.
(via @okcthunder)pic.twitter.com/PyutCzPWN1
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 3, 2020
Also, in August, Reebok announced its unanimous decision to bring Iverson’s Question “Blue Toe” sneakers back to retail stores. The Answer sneaker line remains iconic. It’s up there with Air Jordan.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a long way to go to match Iverson’s accomplishments in the NBA. But it’s not exactly a fair comparison anyway. Iverson was selected first overall by the Sixers in the 1996 draft.
Expectations were much higher for Georgetown’s top prospect. While SGA may not compare to Iverson just yet, he’s still one of the best guards in the league. The 2018 first-round pick is special in his own way.
Last season, in 56 starts, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 24.5 points, 5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Not to mention that he shot 45.3% from the field and 30% from 3-point range.
On December 22, 2021, in the Thunder’s 108-94 victory over the Denver Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded the second triple-double of his career. He put up 27 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in 37 minutes of action.
