Shaq And Allen Iverson Go Sneaker Shopping With Complex

Complex
4 Mar 202412:58

Summary

TLDRIn this engaging episode, Joe from Complex takes us to Indianapolis for a unique sneaker shopping experience with NBA Hall of Famers and Reebok basketball's President and Vice President, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson. The duo reminisces about their iconic shoes, their historic signings with Reebok, and their involvement in the design process, highlighting their personal connection to the brand and their influence in the basketball and sneaker communities. The episode also explores their recent partnership and vision for Reebok, includes candid discussions about missed opportunities with other brands, and concludes with a generous gesture towards the Boys and Girls Club, showcasing their enduring impact on and off the court.

Takeaways

  • 😎 Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson are the new President and Vice President of Reebok basketball, aiming to revive the brand.
  • 🥾 They reminisced about their first signature shoes with Reebok and the design process, which involved input from scientists studying AI's movements.
  • 🤝 Shaq and AI's partnership with Reebok came about after Shaq convinced the company to purchase the brand, and they brought AI on board to help build it up.
  • 👟 They expressed excitement about seeing kids wear their signature shoes, as it reminded them of their own experiences idolizing athletes as kids.
  • 🔥 Jay-Z's recent appearance in Reebok S. Dot sneakers at the Super Bowl sparked discussions about potentially bringing back classic Reebok models.
  • 🤯 Shaq and AI jokingly claimed they could beat any team if they teamed up with Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
  • 🛒 Shaq and AI went sneaker shopping and bought shoes for kids from the Boys and Girls Club, who joined them for the experience.
  • 💰 AI playfully covered Shaq's sneaker bill when Shaq pretended to have forgotten his wallet.
  • 🤝 They emphasized the importance of staying true to themselves and not changing for marketing purposes during their playing careers.
  • 🚀 Shaq and AI hinted at potentially collaborating with other unsigned athletes to help revive Reebok's brand.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson seeing their old shoe samples?

    -Seeing the old shoe samples reminds them of their place in history as influential NBA players who had signature shoes with Reebok. It brings back memories of Shaq joining Reebok in 1992 and competing with the 'young kid from Georgetown' (Allen Iverson) who joined in 1996.

  • What role did Allen Iverson play in designing his first signature shoe with Reebok?

    -Allen Iverson had a lot of input in the design of his first signature shoe with Reebok. He mentions that Reebok allowed him to be himself and never tried to change his image or persona during the marketing process.

  • What is the story behind Allen Iverson's decision to sign with Reebok instead of Nike?

    -Allen Iverson mentions that he remembered the meeting with Nike like it was yesterday, where they presented him with a shoe concept. However, he was ultimately convinced by Reebok's sales pitch and felt comfortable with their loyalty and the relationship he would build with the company.

  • How did Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson end up becoming the President and Vice President of Reebok basketball?

    -Shaquille O'Neal convinced the company Authentic Brands Group to purchase Reebok, and he asked to become the President. He then brought on Allen Iverson as the Vice President, believing that Iverson's influence and connection with guards and street ball players would help rebuild the Reebok brand.

  • What was the reaction to Devin Booker's shoe that Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson referenced?

    -When people were bashing Devin Booker's shoe, Shaquille O'Neal jokingly mentioned that if Booker wanted a good shoe, he should let them (Shaq and AI) in, implying that they could provide him with better shoes at Reebok.

  • Why did Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson feel a sense of pride when they saw kids wearing their shoes?

    -They felt a sense of pride because they remembered being kids themselves and wanting to wear shoes from their idols, like Michael Jordan. Seeing kids wear their shoes gave them the same feeling they had when they looked up to other players.

  • What was the significance of Jay-Z wearing the Reebok S. Dots at the Super Bowl?

    -Jay-Z wearing the Reebok S. Dots at the Super Bowl caused a stir online, and many people credited Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson's connection with Jay-Z for his decision to wear those shoes. It also led to speculation about Reebok possibly bringing back the S. Dots and other classic models.

  • What did Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson say about their dream basketball lineup?

    -Shaquille O'Neal said his dream big three would be himself, Allen Iverson, and Michael Jordan, claiming they would go 82-0. Allen Iverson later added LeBron James to the lineup, making it a dream big four.

  • How did Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson interact with the kids from the Boys and Girls Club?

    -Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson allowed the kids to pick out sneakers from the shelves, even letting them choose Jordans. They joked around with the kids, traded shoes, and made sure they left with the shoes they wanted.

  • What did Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson leave the viewers with at the end of the segment?

    -At the end of the segment, Shaquille O'Neal playfully teased Allen Iverson for forgetting his wallet, implying that he would have to pay for the kids' shoes. They thanked the host and expressed excitement about their future plans with Reebok.

Outlines

00:00

🕺 Nostalgic Reunion: Reebok Basketball Legends

The script opens with a lighthearted conversation between Joe from Complex, Shaquille O'Neal, and Allen Iverson, reminiscing about their Reebok basketball days. They discuss their first shoe designs, Iverson's recruitment by Nike, and the competitive dynamic between them. The segment transitions to examining archival Reebok samples, evoking memories of their contributions to the brand's history.

05:01

🤝 Reviving Reebok: A New Partnership

The conversation shifts to Shaq and Iverson's recent partnership in reviving the Reebok brand. They explain how the acquisition of Reebok by Authentic Brands Group led to their appointment as President and Vice President of Reebok Basketball. They discuss their roles, the possibility of signing new signature athletes, and the impact of seeing kids wearing their shoes. A highlight is the mention of Jay-Z wearing the S-Dos at the Super Bowl, sparking speculation about potential collaborations.

10:13

👟 Sneaker Shopping: A Charitable Gesture

The script concludes with Shaq and Iverson participating in a sneaker shopping experience. They generously gift sneakers to kids from the Boys and Girls Club, fostering a heartwarming interaction. The segment captures the excitement of the kids as they select their favorite shoes, underscoring the impact Shaq and Iverson have on younger generations. The script ends on a humorous note, with Shaq playfully teasing Iverson about paying for the sneakers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sneakers

Sneakers refer to athletic shoes designed for various sports and casual wear. In the video, sneakers are the central focus, as Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson, two basketball legends, discuss their signature sneaker lines with Reebok. The video showcases archival sneaker samples, highlighting the rich history and memories associated with their iconic shoe designs.

💡Reebok

Reebok is a leading sportswear and footwear brand, known for its innovative athletic products. In the video, Reebok serves as the backdrop, with Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson being appointed as the President and Vice President of Reebok Basketball, respectively. Their partnership aims to revive and strengthen Reebok's presence in the basketball sneaker market.

💡Signature Shoes

Signature shoes are athletic footwear designed and endorsed by professional athletes, often bearing their names or logos. In the video, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson discuss their signature sneaker lines with Reebok, reminiscing about the design process and the impact these shoes had on fans and the sneaker culture.

💡Nostalgia

Nostalgia refers to a sentimental longing or affection for the past. Throughout the video, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson reminisce about their early days with Reebok, recounting stories and memories associated with their signature sneakers. This nostalgia highlights the emotional connection athletes have with their iconic footwear designs.

💡Sneaker Culture

Sneaker culture encompasses the passion, collecting, and appreciation for sneakers, often tied to specific brands, athletes, or designs. The video touches upon this culture by showcasing the impact of Shaquille O'Neal's and Allen Iverson's signature sneakers on fans and the broader sneaker community, with anecdotes of kids eagerly wearing and appreciating their shoes.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration refers to the act of working together towards a common goal. In the video, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson collaborate as the President and Vice President of Reebok Basketball, aiming to revive the brand's presence in the basketball sneaker market. Their partnership and combined influence are seen as key factors in achieving this goal.

💡Endorsement

Endorsement is the act of publicly expressing approval or support for a product or brand. In the context of the video, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson endorse Reebok by agreeing to take on leadership roles within the company's basketball division. Their endorsement and association with the brand are expected to boost its credibility and appeal within the sneaker market.

💡Legacy

Legacy refers to the lasting impact or influence of something or someone. In the video, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson discuss their legacies as basketball icons and the enduring impact of their signature sneaker lines. Their involvement with Reebok aims to solidify their legacies further and contribute to the brand's own legacy within the sneaker industry.

💡Recruitment

Recruitment refers to the process of actively seeking and attracting new talent or individuals to join an organization or team. In the video, there is a hint of Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson potentially recruiting other athletes to collaborate with Reebok, although they refrain from revealing specific details.

💡Sneaker Shopping

Sneaker shopping is the act of purchasing or acquiring sneakers, often with a focus on collecting rare or limited-edition designs. The video features a sneaker shopping segment, where Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson select sneakers for members of the Boys and Girls Club, highlighting the joy and excitement associated with obtaining new sneakers.

Highlights

Shaq and Iverson recall memories of their first shoes and the impact on their careers.

Shaq and Iverson discuss the importance of being part of Reebok's history and contributing to its legacy.

Iverson shares his appreciation for Reebok allowing him to be himself and have input on his shoe designs.

Shaq and Iverson talk about their roles as President and Vice President of Reebok basketball.

The duo reflects on the process and motivation behind acquiring Reebok through Authentic Brands Group.

Shaq and Iverson express their strategic vision for recruiting and rebuilding Reebok.

Iverson discusses the impact of seeing kids wear his shoes and the emotional connection it brings.

Shaq and Iverson reveal their exclusive presidential and vice presidential Reebok jackets.

Jay-Z's Super Bowl appearance in S. Dots sparks discussions on their influence and potential Reebok collaborations.

Shaq and Iverson's dream team scenarios highlight their competitive spirits and respect for basketball legends.

The duo engages with kids from the Boys and Girls Club, offering them Reebok sneakers.

Shaq and Iverson's playful banter about forgetting wallets showcases their camaraderie.

The episode concludes with Shaq and Iverson reflecting on their partnership and future plans for Reebok.

Transcripts

00:02

[Music]

00:09

man he's bring back a lot of memories

00:11

crossed a lot of people up broke some

00:13

ankles in those they're called shandals

00:15

you know what I mean sandals like I

00:18

mean in summer oh but check out these

00:21

ones I got right here you thirsty look

00:23

at the

00:24

bottom you thirsty

00:27

yo that's crazy you

00:30

[Music]

00:36

man what's up everybody it's Joe from

00:38

complex we're in Indianapolis at

00:40

corporate with the President and Vice

00:43

President of Reebok basketball NBA Hall

00:46

of Famers Shaquille O'Neal and Alan iers

00:48

how you doing great going to do some

00:50

sneaker shopping today to see what

00:51

they're feeling Hur up let's go sneaker

00:52

Sho see if they're feeling what they're

00:53

not let's go tiet shopping hopefully

00:55

they're going to buy some

00:58

sneakers

01:01

[Music]

01:06

we have to start at the archive table

01:08

you know they told me and my crew that

01:10

we have to wear gloves I've seen you

01:11

guys like handling these without gloves

01:13

do you guys get to do whatever you want

01:15

these are your shoes president okay vice

01:17

president you guys get what they had

01:19

white gloves for me am I don't don't do

01:23

that but I really want to talk about

01:24

what's it like seeing these samples

01:26

taking you back and the memories of your

01:29

first shoe

01:30

well for me it just reminds us that we

01:32

were part of history and what I mean by

01:36

history is that you know other companies

01:39

bragged about they had the best but then

01:41

you had two of the best on the other

01:42

side I signed in ' 92 and I was doing

01:45

well and then they had some young kid

01:47

from Georgetown his was out sett

01:49

him my stuff really who was this cat and

01:51

I didn't know he was until exibition

01:54

game in 96 when him and Nick Van XEL was

01:56

going back and forth and they said he

01:58

was the answer and the problem and

02:00

I knew it was going to be good for the

02:01

company and then AI your first shoe I

02:05

don't know if it was this shoe but I

02:06

heard that like you know the rebok CEO

02:08

Todd krinsky you guys were so involved

02:11

in your design that like scientists were

02:13

coming in to study your movements is

02:15

that true like a scientist scientist oh

02:17

hell no yeah I read that is that figure

02:20

out what what was that meeting like man

02:22

it was um it was great one thing about

02:24

Reebok they always let me be myself they

02:28

never tried to Market and changed me to

02:30

somebody that I I'm not I had a lot of

02:33

input on this this shoe yeah and it just

02:36

remind me of the longevity with the

02:39

company and the relationships that I I

02:41

still have with those people from 96 I

02:45

want to also talk AI let me know if this

02:47

is true Gentry Humphrey who was a Jordan

02:49

brand exec said I was like was there

02:51

anyone that you ever missed out on he

02:52

was like we had a Bubba Chuck shoe Nike

02:55

we presented it looked like a Jason kid

02:57

shoe and a Jordan 11 do you remember

02:59

that meeting do you remember being

03:00

courted by Jordan and then ultimately

03:02

signing with rebot I I remember that

03:04

like it was yesterday because that was a

03:06

big decision for me you know what I mean

03:09

and um just looking back on it you know

03:12

I feel good about the decision I made

03:14

you know what I mean with the Loyalty

03:15

from rebok and all relationship but

03:17

there was a shoe they presented you with

03:19

yeah they they they had a shoe but I was

03:22

convinced um when I went in the meeting

03:24

with Reebok that that's what I wanted to

03:25

do they were great sales people you know

03:27

what I mean and um they made me

03:30

comfortable about getting to where I'm

03:32

at right now with the

03:36

[Music]

03:39

company we see the president and the

03:41

vice president jackets how did this

03:43

partnership come about how long was it

03:45

in the works well the company I'm

03:47

involved with Authentics brand groups I

03:49

convinced him for past 10 years we need

03:51

to purchase rebot I remember when Reebok

03:54

had great players that would kill a lot

03:56

of the players on the other side you

03:59

know we're a licensing company so I

04:01

urged him to you know get him back and

04:03

and I asked if I could be the president

04:05

and I was like you know what I need

04:07

somebody that helped me build Reebok and

04:10

AI was AI was the only choice you know

04:12

when I'm out doing my stuff talking to

04:15

certain people I could talk to my people

04:18

but I know all the guards and all the

04:20

shooters and all the street ball players

04:22

everybody going to listen to him so I

04:24

called him up and said hey let's try to

04:26

build Reebok up and when you're a great

04:28

athlete like like we were MH it's all

04:31

about challenges so this is just another

04:33

challenge for us and I you know I love

04:35

that you guys stir the pot a little bit

04:36

the Devin Booker reaction to the complex

04:39

post our our company you know you were

04:41

right in the mix kind of like semi-

04:43

recruiting it seems like you guys are

04:45

always recruiting no it wasn't

04:47

recruiting it just everybody was bashing

04:49

about his shoe and he was like if you

04:50

want a good shoe I'll let me in a okay

04:53

that's I'm not I wasn't trying to be

04:55

funny like I won we don't do crazy

04:57

things but everybody was saying his shoe

04:59

and he was saying he wasn't happy so you

05:01

want to be happy and you want to want a

05:02

good shoe how that Shack in a is do you

05:06

have your eyes on anyone unsigned have

05:08

you guys talked about it at all yet like

05:10

the another signature athlete we have

05:13

but we can't tell you okay now you don't

05:16

want to break it why would I break it

05:17

and then they find out and then the

05:19

other competition finds out there see

05:22

yeah no not at all the last time I had

05:24

all right I'll tell you bow Bowl you

05:27

love him you love him there we go

05:30

B re there we go as successful as the

05:35

line has been you really love when you

05:36

see kids wearing them what is it like

05:39

that strikes aord with you when you see

05:41

kids in your shoes I mean because I was

05:43

that kid M you know what I mean I wanted

05:45

the

05:46

Jordans you know um I grew up off that

05:50

you know the way I feel about Mike the

05:51

way I love Mike um I just you know feel

05:55

good about seeing kids with my sneakers

05:57

on cuz they might feel like you know I

06:00

felt about Mike you know what I mean

06:02

just like when any kid come up for

06:04

autographs and stuff like that you know

06:06

what I mean you know a lot of times you

06:08

know we're busy and stuff like that and

06:10

we just you know passing through but you

06:13

try to do it as much as you can cuz I

06:14

know I would have been hurt if if if

06:17

Mike left me hanging so you know I just

06:20

love seeing my shoe on KSP I remember

06:22

the first time I saw him and I pulled

06:25

over pulled over so you know everything

06:27

man pulled over I pulled over and I you

06:29

know looked in my rear viiew and I

06:31

watched him until he was out of sight

06:33

you know what I mean that was the best

06:35

feeling you know as far of having my own

06:37

shoe the first time I seen a kid with

06:39

them on and they were actually those the

06:41

jackets though this are you the only two

06:43

with the jackets that would be

06:47

correct two of two that's it but they'll

06:50

probably you like it I do okay we'll

06:54

hook you up all right

06:55

[Music]

06:58

awesome

07:00

[Music]

07:02

couple weeks ago Super Bowl big sneaker

07:04

moment Jay-Z pulls up to the Super Bowl

07:07

in the S dos which really went crazy

07:10

online no one expected to see s dos and

07:14

then we had a podcast talking about it

07:16

and you know what a lot of the comments

07:17

said Jay-Z waren because of his

07:19

connection with Shaq and AI you guys

07:20

taking credit for that moment We Know

07:23

Jay-Z okay Jay-Z if you're watching we

07:25

want to holl at you that's right

07:27

definitely want to holl at you but uh

07:29

shout out to Jay-Z definitely shout out

07:31

to JayZ these was dope these was dope I

07:33

in 2003 I wore these all summer and I

07:37

just I just thought it was cool to see

07:39

Jay have on what called he just got them

07:42

off his feet I hope Jay's don't smell

07:44

like that we just just a little behind

07:47

the scenes someone pulled up wearing

07:49

them uh shouts to Michael thank you but

07:53

AI did you have like custom ones with

07:55

your name on them yeah no I had um my

07:57

crew um crew thi I had him on the side

08:01

of him I ain't but I I was going to take

08:02

his name off on the front you know what

08:04

I mean cuz Jay fly too so they were

08:07

making you custom ones though of the S

08:09

dots absolutely all different colors and

08:11

then when that happened everyone was

08:12

like are s dots coming back are gunit

08:14

sneakers coming back would you like to

08:16

see those come back of course so 50 when

08:18

I call you holla Jay-Z we'll be calling

08:21

yeah we we definitely want to give the

08:22

fans and the consumer what they want but

08:24

we also going to be coming with new

08:25

Styles and new technology but uh shout

08:28

out to Jay-Z shout out to 50 we

08:30

definitely will be having a conversation

08:31

with them very soon not sneaker related

08:34

but I have both you guys here such a

08:36

treat you said your dream big three you

08:40

Shaq MJ right so that if you guys are

08:43

played together you go 82 and zero for

08:45

sure with with and and with two guys

08:48

with your game that's what you said you

08:50

told the guy even if you were playing

08:51

meat what a you know Point me we hide

08:54

you okay we hide you real good so we

08:58

make you look good so your dream big

09:00

three you Shaq and MJ you feel like you

09:02

beat better than anyone not beating not

09:05

beating us it's not going to happen do

09:07

you agree I don't I might have to uh

09:09

agree with that one listen if I play I

09:11

get the jacket we're already there then

09:13

we only need we need two more people

09:15

that's it we probably don't even need

09:16

two more people okay wow one more person

09:20

yeah we we're at five another off that

09:22

is a hell of a team that's what they

09:24

going to say I say I I say me Shaq

09:30

LeBron and Mike oh Dam so I had one yeah

09:33

I mean we going we'll give you a nice

09:35

water bottle and you can do your thing

09:37

with you know what I mean just every

09:38

time we come out just bring it to us got

09:40

you and we good got you well we talked

09:43

about everything now it's the easy part

09:44

browser shelves I think kids from the

09:46

Boys and Girls Club are going to join

09:48

you yes National Youth Of The Year

09:50

National military Youth Of The Year Boys

09:52

and Girls Club awesome let's do

09:58

it

10:00

[Music]

10:13

hey y'all what would you guys like today

10:15

I was looking at these okay well take

10:18

them I know the president and the vice

10:20

president they're yours oh really yep

10:22

what you want my guy I'm taking that one

10:24

right next which one this red and black

10:26

one all right yeah

10:30

that's what you

10:34

want pick a Jordan pick a Jordan you

10:37

pick the Jordans get

10:40

out get

10:41

out no I'm just message super oh you

10:45

like the Superman oh okay so you making

10:47

a trade yeah see do yeah got to respect

10:51

the logo right yeah we appreciate you

10:54

guys yeah we appreciate you all all

10:56

right bring it in 1 2 3 rebu rebu hey

10:59

you got 1 2 3 first yeah 1 2 3 no no no

11:03

one more time 1 2 3 1 2

11:07

3 that's better next time you pick some

11:10

Jordans put these hands on you and you

11:13

got the smooth joints right there nice

11:16

right there thank you for the shoes

11:18

apprciate appreciate it

11:21

[Music]

11:25

welcome you guys find everything right

11:27

today heck yeah how much got your total

11:30

up it's

11:33

11663 you want got some money no no hey

11:36

I hook me up vice president I left the

11:39

wallet at the my

11:41

bad I'm going pay you back AI I

11:45

know all right get y' shoes let's roll

11:48

thank you guys so much time to go to the

11:50

club excited time to go smoke some

11:55

hookah man something wrong with him man

11:59

[Music]

12:23

so Shaq came through AI came through got

12:25

some pairs of sneakers for the boys and

12:27

girls club thank you guys so much for

12:29

taking the time told great stories

12:31

cannot wait cannot wait to see what you

12:33

guys do at Reebok thanks again

12:34

appreciate it that's for touching the

12:36

shoes without the gloves listen I they

12:38

told me not to let's go thank you guys

12:41

all right thank

12:42

[Music]

12:56

you