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This week, we’ve been counting down The Most Important Sneaker Stars in NBA History as part of our #KOC25 series. Starting with Rasheed Wallace at the #25 spot and later highlighting the likes of Grant Hill, Allen Iverson and LeBron James, we’ve finally reached the top five. Who did we deem the five most important players in NBA history from a sneaker standpoint? Read on to find out and give us your feedback on social media with the hashtag #KOC25.
5. Walt Frazier
photo via ProHoopsHistoryWalt Frazier is the NBA’s original fashion icon. Long before NBA Style was a thing, Frazier was a style icon both on court and off court. Fittingly, the PUMA Clyde was accepted on and off court, not because it was a revolutionary shoe but because Frazier wore it. After attaching Frazier’s name to the Clyde, the shoe became an undeniable big hit. As far as popularity, the Clyde was as popular as Air Jordans are today. As one of the first players ever to literally have his name attached to a shoe, Frazier broke ground and is one of the most important sneaker stars in the history of the NBA.
For one of the first ads Frazier did for PUMA, he was dressed in a mink coat, a wide-brim hat and PUMA Clydes. Ironically, that’s how the athletes dress today – a dressed-up look with sneakers.
The Clyde is fashion, and fashion is the Clyde.
-George Kiel III
