Reebok had been operating for the past few years without the presence of a prominent NBA personality by their side. Attempting to get back into the limelight, Reebok recently made a strategic move by bringing in former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal and Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson. They brought O’Neal into the newly created role of ‘President of Basketball’. At the same time, Iverson will be working in the ‘Vice President of Basketball’ role. The news has generated a significant amount of buzz and excitement amongst fans.

While some have commended Reebok for their inclusion of Shaq, others have questioned the contributions that Allen Iverson can place towards the development of the brand. The following article will explore just that.

Allen Iverson has a strong presence as a fashion icon

In order to make a big splash with NBA fans regarding their products, Reebok needed to align themselves with someone who was not only a dominating presence on the basketball court but someone who was also known for possessing a unique fashion sense. And who better to align with than Allen Iverson?

During his playing days, A.I. was known for having adopted a ‘hip-hop’ style of dressing. He would often dress up in baggy sweatpants or baggy shorts. He would make his presence more prominent with flashy jewelry, displaying his full-sleeve tattoos in the open. Iverson would often be adorning his head with fitted caps, bandanas, and/or durags. The 2001 MVP’s fashion sense became a trend amongst NBA enthusiasts, with many of them copying his clothing style and even the way he managed his braids.

Iverson’s fashion sense was a big influence before certain dressing restrictions were implemented by the league in 2005. Reebok can definitely capitalize on this factor by aligning their products with the former fashion icon. Furthermore, given Allen Iverson’s standing in the world of hip-hop and street culture, his involvement could lead to new partnerships that can lead to stepping into new markets. This can create innovative, limited-edition products that resonate with a diverse audience.

A.I shares a decades-long relationship with Reebok

Prominent NBA fans may be aware that the former player already shares a long-lasting relationship with Reebok. Having joined the billion-dollar brand back in 1996, Reebok released many signature shoes using A.I.’s name, including the iconic ‘Reebok Question’ and more than 14 versions of the ‘Reebok Answer’. Even after Iverson retired from the NBA in 2013, Reebok kept releasing new retro sneakers under his name.

Along with providing his name on the various Reebok products, Iverson has made an appearance at various events over the past few years in order to promote the brand image. By elevating their existing star to an already higher level, Reebok is placing Allen Iverson in the limelight and not on the sidetracks. This can result in higher sales of Iverson’s sneakers.

Allen Iverson’s management skills can be put to the test

Iverson has worked hard to establish some profound connections with grassroots organizations and community engagements. This has occurred throughout his NBA career and even after the same. Under his new role, Iverson’s primary objective would be to make use of his connections in order to drive forward “player recruitment” and maintain his ties with the community.

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Placing Iverson in the recruitment role is a smart move. The 76ers star has more than a decade’s worth of professional basketball experience under his name. He knows which player is currently making the waves on the court and whose talents could be best utilized to market Reebok’s products. Shaquille O’Neal has made the first move by bringing in LSU star and future WNBA prospect Angel Reese. Iverson himself is not far behind in the process and will come up with a name soon.

Furthermore, A.I.’s focus on grassroots and community initiatives helps Reebok align with the growing trend of brands on emphasizing community engagement and social responsibility. This involvement can assist Reebok in generating stronger connections with local communities and the fans residing within the same. Through all of it, an increase in brand loyalty and customer engagement will be imminent.

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According to an article by Boardroom, the player’s new role will allow him to hold his annual Iverson Classic High School showcase. This initiative can help attract a new generation of aspiring players and basketball enthusiasts to the brand’s products. By establishing relationships with promising athletes and future fans early on, Reebok could potentially be creating some long-term partnerships.

The Final Verdict

Shaquille O’Neal‘s appointment as ‘President of Basketball’ brings a wealth of basketball expertise and marketability to Reebok. Allen Iverson’s addition as ‘Vice President’, however, is not something that should be considered second-tier news. By embracing his presence as a fashion icon, his decades-long relationship with the brand, and his management skills, Reebok will be marking its presence as a brand that uses old talent to remain a relevant force in an ever-evolving market. Allen Iverson’s presence will resonate with both the new and the old generation for decades to come.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.