Converse is Back – and Should Sign Ben Simmons
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Like Puma and New Balance before them, Converse announced recently that they will be re-entering the performance basketball realm. Unlike Puma (save Clyde Frazier) and New Balance, Converse has a long, illustrious history in the basketball sneaker world.
Everyone knows the Chuck Taylor All Star. It was honestly the most worn basketball sneaker for the first 50 years of the sport. Seriously, Chucks were created in 1922 and were the most worn sneaker in the league through the late 1960’s. Russell, Wilt, Cousy, Oscar, Rick Barry, and countless others laced up the Converse Chuck Taylors on the way to the Hall of Fame.
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They fell out of favor in the early 70’s when adidas Superstars became the sneaker du jour around the league. Converse came back in a big way when Dr. J began wearing the Pro Leather. The Pro Leather was, also, famously worn in the 1982 NCAA Finals by Michael Jordan.
Then came Larry and Magic and the Converse Weapon in the mid-1980s. The Weapon was huge. They gave way to a signature line for Magic.
In the 90’s, Converse re-branded their performance basketball line as CONS. They created the iconic ‘Grandmama’ character for Larry Johnson to coincide with his signature sneaker line. CONS were also worn by Zack Morris and every dad that I knew (classic white and blue, baby).
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A young Dwyane Wade was the face of their brand in the early 2000’s. He had a moderately popular signature line with them from 2004-2009.
The brand has been relatively quiet since then. That is until they announced the other night that they would be re-emerging in performance basketball with the Converse All Star Pro BB.
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Currently, the only NBA player signed to a contract with Converse is Kelly Oubre, Jr. It stands to reason that they will be looking to bring more guys on board in the coming months. Their options are to go after role players (a la Oubre), sign incoming rookies with the hope that one or more become stars, or go star hunting.
Role players don’t move the needle. Puma went the route of signing a bunch of rookies and younger players (plus Demarcus Cousins and Danny Green). New Balance went after a star – grabbing Kawhi Leonard. Both are viable options, though New Balance will likely be looking to round out their crew this off-season.
Our 6’10” point forward is the perfect person to bring the Converse brand into the future. Yes, Simmons is currently signed to a contract with Nike, but Converse is owned by Nike, so something could be worked out. Call the lawyers.
Because they are owned by Nike, Converse can use their R&D and cushioning technology in their performance sneakers. This is a major advantage over both Puma and New Balance.
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Ben has worn the Nike Hyperdunk model thus far in his young career. The Hyperdunk features Zoom Air. And while the new All Star Pro BB does not, it does feature Nike’s React cushioning. The cut of the new model is similar to that of the Hyperdunk, as well. The transition to the would not be all that difficult.
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The sneaker has a sleek, smooth look, much like Simmons’ game. The aesthetic of the shoe is so clean and lends itself well to colors and patterns. Ben has shown with his sneakers during his short career that he likes to mix things up every so often when it comes to colors.
Converse would be smart to try to negotiate a deal with Simmons this off season. If they could get Simmons, Oubre, and one of the top 5 picks (ideally Ja Morant or RJ Barrett), they would be in a great place going forward.
New Balance currently has the best player in Kawhi. In my opinion, Puma has done the best job telling their story and with their sneakers. But with a few smart business moves, Converse could pull ahead of both in the coming months.
Stay tuned.
