The 1980s were a golden era for hip-hop, with legends like LL Cool J and Kool Moe Dee making waves. As hip-hop’s popularity soared, another cultural phenomenon was taking shape: a memorable NBA commercial featuring two of the league’s biggest stars, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. This commercial was a stark contrast to the rap beats dominating the airwaves at the time, and while it might seem like a playful jab at the hip-hop scene, it holds its own unique charm.
In 1986, Converse launched a campaign for their “Weapons” model, enlisting Larry Bird and Magic Johnson to promote the sneakers. Bird, donning the all-black version with a white star, represented the Boston Celtics, while Johnson sported the purple and yellow version to match the Los Angeles Lakers’ colors. This collaboration was just the beginning, as Converse later featured other NBA stars like Isiah Thomas, Bernard King, Mark Aguirre, and Kevin McHale in their ads. Each player contributed a rap verse, adding a humorous twist to the campaign.
The commercial stands out in NBA history for its iconic nature, showcasing each player delivering a line about the impact of the shoes on their performance. The highlight of the ad is Bird’s memorable line: “You know what they did for me? I walked away with the NBA.” This blend of humor and athletic prowess captured the essence of the era and left a lasting impression on basketball fans.
The outtakes from this commercial offer a glimpse into the lighter side of NBA legends, providing a comedic look at how these players engaged with the promotional material. Despite the contrast to the hip-hop scene of the time, the ad’s playful approach and star-studded cast make it a cherished piece of NBA history.
Shandel Richardson, a seasoned NBA journalist with experience at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel, covers this nostalgic look back. His deep knowledge of the NBA and its history brings a unique perspective to the story of this memorable commercial.
