Converse signed Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a "multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal," adding him to a "group of NBA and WNBA players tasked with relaunching its basketball category," according to Nick DePaula of ESPN.com. Gilgeous-Alexander signed with Nike upon turning pro ahead of the '18 NBA Draft, but he "will begin wearing Converse once the Thunder resume practicing this week in Orlando." The initial conversations about joining a select Converse portfolio "began last year in Las Vegas during the NBA's Summer League." Nike had "prioritized revamping and refreshing its Jordan roster of endorsers last year, signing Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura and Luka Doncic." Now, that focus is "shifting to Converse, with Gilgeous-Alexander next in its continued efforts." This past season, Suns F Kelly Oubre Jr. "helped design versions of the All Star Pro BB as part of his 'Soul Collection.'" Gilgeous-Alexander is "expected to have similar design input and creative control with Converse." DePaula notes Gilgeous-Alexander "could be the lone Converse representative playing in the NBA's bubble format" (ESPN.com, 7/8).
