Family Matters: Converse Basketball Signs Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Converse basketball family has a new member for holiday dinner, and he’s got a familiar last name. Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a steady hand for the Southeast division-leading ATL team this year, and his 18 points per game sharing the backcourt with Trae Young has brought the 27-year-old more attention than ever, and a new shoe deal alongside his cousin and Canadian National Team running mate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“I’ve always approached basketball as a way to express who I am. Partnering with Converse gives me the space to be creative not just in how I play, but in how I show up.” Alexander-Walker said. “Converse values individuality, and that’s something I’ve always carried with me. I’m excited to join a team that shares my mindset.”

There are a few things that MVP, NBA champion, and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander loves, and he’s not shy about telling the world. Of course, there’s basketball, and then there’s fashion, but right up at the top is family, and after naming his last three colorways of the Converse Shai 001 after his wife, mother, and brother, we’ve got no doubt he had some say in adding Alexander-Walker to the brand’s roster.

In addition to SGA, Alexander-Walker joins Kelly Oubre and Payton Prichard on a Converse basketball squad working to reinvent itself for a new era of basketball sneakers. The deal wasn’t announced with any new PEs, but expect Alexander-Walker to wear the Shai 001 all season, and don’t be surprised if he pulls out an exclusive colorway or two; he is family, after all.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com