A Chronological History of Point Guards With Signature Shoes

Running the point is the best job in basketball. The 1 spot has long been the most coveted position on the court, with a new generation of talent redefining its role. With players like Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving receiving sneakers of their own namesake in the past few seasons, we take a chronological look at all the point guards to ever score a signature shoe deal.

Bob Cousy

photo via Legendary Auctions

When: 1950s
Shoe: P.F Canvas

In some respects the first signature star in pro basketball, Bob Cousy became the spokesman for P.F Flyers and thus a pioneer in the sports marketing industry. The Houdini of the Hardwood definitely had the flash and the stats to sell shoes. Throwing behind the back passes when Leave It to Beaver was on, he racked up 6 rings and 13 All-Star Game selections during his playing days (pretty close to MJ’s 6 and 14). A civil rights activist and just all around likable guy, Cousy sold sneakers while hooping in the league, with P.F even bringing out some retro releases since.

Clyde Frazier

photo via ProHoopsHistory

When: 1970s
Shoe: PUMA Clyde

As a member of the “Rolls Royce Backourt” with Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Walt “Clyde” Frazier became a legend in New York City and a household name across the country. A dealer on the court (Clyde still holds the Knicks franchise record for career assists) and dapper off of it, the two worlds collided when PUMA released his Clyde signature sneaker. Coming off the heels of his first championship in 1973, the model maintained the ethos of the Suede while gaining major cool points off Frazier’s name.

Kevin Johnson

photo by by Corky Trewin

When: 1989, 1993-95
Shoe: FILA KJ7, Converse Run n Slam, Converse Pandemonium

When people think of FILA basketball shoes, the fist name that comes to mind is Grant Hill. Years before G-Hill was getting triple-doubles in Detroit, Kevin Johnson was the face of FILA in Phoenix. His first signature shoe, the KJ7, was actually brought back in 2013 as a philanthropic initiative between FILA, KJ and the city of Sacramento where Johnson serves as mayor. After his stint with FILA, Kevin Johnson was the marquee endorser for the Converse Run n Slam and Pandemomium silos.

Magic Johnson

photo by Manny Millan via SI Vault

When: 1990-1992
Shoes: Converse Magic, Converse Magic II, Converse Magic USA

Though best associated with the Weapon, Magic Johnson did have a number of signatures shoes with Converse. Releasing during the early 90s, the appropriately titled Magic models saw everything from era-inspired LA flair to Dream Team patriotism. In hindsight, the line reads a little like Converse trying to catch up to the times and the industry shift that was Air Jordan. Still, the shoes have some cool factor with the era-appropriate aesthetic and endorsement of the smiling PG. A man of many business ventures, it should be noted too that in Magic’s retirement he launched his own brand of sneakers and sportswear.

Isiah Thomas

photo via The Waiver Wire

When: 1992
Shoes: ASICS Gel Spotlyte

The same GEL cushioning you love in your runners and your Ronnies was featured in the signature shoe of Isiah Thomas. The ASICS Gel Spotlyte was a little lackluster on the detailing, but did outfit the prominent Pistons point guard. In recent years, the model has returned as a retro.