When Allen Iverson was drafted into the league in 1996, he instantly signed an endorsement deal with Reebok. During the duration of Iverson’s epic career, Reebok sneakers were on his feet. The player and the company experienced tremendous success to-gether. Learn more about the Answer 13 below.
13
The 13 marked the end of Iverson’s line and was on the guard’s feet when he played his final games in the NBA. Iverson’s final season in the NBA was complex and sadly forgettable. He would sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he was not happy with his role on the team.
Iverson would leave the team and was then eventually waived. He would return to Philadelphia for the final games of the season, but his return proved to be a disappointment. Iverson was jumping from team to team his finals seasons in the league, and it took a toll on his reputation and statistics.
The 13 had a design that did not become popular. Combined with Iverson’s problems on and off the court, it was a failure.
Question???
Reebok needed a superstar in the mid-1990s. Reebok was looking for the face of the company.
A fresh and charismatic star that could lead them to a whole new level of success. Allen Iverson was the perfect basketball star for what Reebok wanted. Iverson was electrifying on the court and had a genuine connection to young people off it.
Culture
Iverson was a legend when he played college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas. His height, barely six feet tall, allowed young people to connect with him differently than they would a seven-foot center. Iverson was also rooted in hip hop culture. He dressed and carried himself in a way that aligned to the music and style kids were most interested in at the time.
- Adam C. Better
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