OG Anunoby and Skechers are still basking in the glow of the New York Knicks championship.
Anunoby became the first NBA player to win a Finals title while wearing Skechers. His sponsor was ready for the occasion, trotting out two player-exclusive colorways to much fanfare before revealing that the forward will eventually get his own signature sneaker.
The brand hosted a meet and greet for New York City children with Anunoby at its midtown showroom on Thursday evening. In a space decked out with shoes and photos of the player Former President Barack Obama referred to as “a rock,” Anunoby spoke with reporters about his partnership with the brand and his in-demand footwear.
Anunoby and Skechers announced their partnership last summer, but he said the brand’s shoes first caught his attention while he was stilling playing for the Toronto Raptors. He noticed them on the feet of Terrance Mann and Julius Randle, and when he became teammates with the latter player on the Knicks he began asking questions about his shoes.
“On the court, I just liked the way they look,” Anunoby said. “I remember the first time I saw them, I was intrigued by the appearance — they look sturdy but light and sleek — and I like the colorways they’re making. Once I got to know them, [I learned] it’s a family environment with love and support, and I love it.”
The first pair of sneakers Skechers made for Anunoby in the NBA Finals took inspiration from the New York City staple Timberland “Wheat” boot. The Knicks turned the 6-Inch boot into an award for defensive player of the game this past season, giving a pair branded with with “DPOG” to the honoree after each game.
Known as one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA, Anunoby found the boots in possession quite frequently. And the Skechers SKX Reign style was presented to him as a surprise.
OG Anunoby’s Skechers SKX Reign “Foreman.”
“I thought they looked lovely,” Anunoby said. “I was excited to wear them. I warmed up in them, but I usually need a little bit more time to wear them [in game.] I’m excited to wear them next year, and I’ll work out in them this summer, so hopefully they’ll make some more pairs.
Anunoby’s second PE sneakers did appear on his feet in game — and for his most iconic act of the NBA Finals. For his game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining in game 4, he wore a different version of the SKX Reign that he’d worked with Skechers on creating — complete with Knicks colors and his “OG” logo. A pre-order has since been announced, and Skechers said tens of thousands of people have signed up to be notified when it begins.
The very pair from the game is still in Anunoby’s locker. and he said he won’t wear them again. Instead, he will probably put them on display somewhere.