{"id":410870,"date":"2014-10-22T14:30:08","date_gmt":"2014-10-22T19:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=410870"},"modified":"2022-09-17T13:00:54","modified_gmt":"2022-09-17T18:00:54","slug":"koc25-the-most-important-sneaker-stars-in-nba-history-15-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/koc25-the-most-important-sneaker-stars-in-nba-history-15-11\/","title":{"rendered":"#KOC25: The Most Important Sneaker Stars in NBA History (15-11)"},"content":{"rendered":"
The countdown continues. After detailing players 20-16 in our #KOC25: The Most Important Sneaker Stars in NBA History<\/strong> series yesterday, we get closer to the top 10. Today, players 15-11 are unveiled, ranging from a Shox sporting swingman to a signature star of today. Which players got the nod in this installment of the countdown and why? Read on to find out. As always, give us your feedback on the rankings by using the #KOC25 hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.<\/p>\n When a great player creates an unforgettable moment in a particular shoe, the legacy of that piece of footwear is undeniably heightened. Such was the case with Michael Jordan taking his “last shot” in the Air Jordan 14, Dee Brown’s promotion of the Reebok Pump Omni Zone in the ’91 Slam Dunk Contest and Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in the Nike Zoom Kobe I. These moments are cherished forever, and everything about them are remembered, including the shoes that were worn. Yet, Vince Carter<\/strong>‘s feat in the Nike Shox BB4<\/strong> might be the greatest example of how one athlete’s moment can greatly impact the trajectory of a particular shoe’s success.<\/p>\n During the 2000 Olympics, the 6\u20196 Vince Carter, wearing the Nike Shox BB4, drove to the basket, took flight, and dunked over With his freakish athleticism, Carter became the rightful poster boy for Nike Shox technology. The commercial and critical success of Vince Carter’s backing of the Shox BB4 eventually led to the birth of Carter\u2019s signature line, which lasted for five seasons.<\/p>\n There’s no doubt that Nike’s Shox technology itself changed the footwear game forever. In 2000, the shock absorbing and energy returning system was futuristic in terms of Nike cushioning technology for the new millennium. The Shox “springs” gave the shoe an innovative look and designer Eric Avar, who was inspired by space suits for the upper, helped create an irrefutable iconic silhouette. But it was Vince Carter’s dunk that elevated the Shox BB4’s importance.<\/p>\n -George Kiel III<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bob Cousy<\/strong> changed the game of basketball with his flashed-up fundamentals and innovative play. His fancy passes and precision ball handling captivated fans, all while paving the way for the likes of Pete Maravich, Magic Johnson, Jason Kidd and Jason Williams. \u201cThe Houdini of the Hardwood,” Cousy ran the point for the Boston Celtics through out the ’50s and into the ’60s. His prestigious resume includes 6 NBA Championship Rings, 13 All-Star Games, and 12 All-NBA selections. For his efforts, Cousy was named to the 50 Greatest Players of All Time list.<\/p>\n While Cousy\u2019s game had showtime written all over it, the mass marketing of athletes and shoe contracts was still years away during his playing days. Nevertheless and so much the more, Cousy would spearhead such sales tactics by becoming one of the first basketball players to endorse products and appear in commercials. As a Celtic, he endorsed PF Flyers<\/strong> and in many ways birthed basketball’s concept of the signature shoe decades before it became the norm.<\/p>\n These days, the likes of Forbes and ESPN run features based on the current athletes with the highest grossing endorsement deals. Just the same, NBA stars continue to cash in on shoe deals whether active or retired. Looking back, let’s not forget that Bob Cousy took some of the first footsteps for a business that’s still booming today and a culture that supports it.<\/p>\n15. Vince Carter<\/h2>\n photo by David Cooper\/Toronto Star via The Star<\/a>\n
on<\/del> Frederic Weis in what may be the most memorable Olympic basketball moment ever. The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal that year, and the \u201cle dunk de la mort\u201d would go on to be the most talked-about moment during that Olympic basketball run.<\/p>\n14. Bob Cousy<\/h2>\n photo via Legendary Auctions\n