NBA Roundable: Are Entertainers Becoming More Influential Than Athletes?

"Maybe in some capacity, just cause it’s not the norm. You usually see athletes promoting sneakers, but to see entertainers—rappers, actors, it can have a different impact for sure. I remember when Jay-Z came out with the S. Carter shoe, it kind of took the world by storm. He picked me to wear the basketball version and endorse the shoe. I think it’s good, especially in branding now, with the way social media is. The sky is the limit to do a lot of things. There’s room for everybody."

"I think everybody grew up loving sneakers and wanting a chance to have a lot of sneakers. But when you don’t have a lot of money to get those sneakers, it’s hard. For me, I’ve always been a sneaker guy and a collector. I think they’re just more out there now, and social media is big and is helping out a lot as well."

"You see a lot of other companies doing that. Rick Ross signing with Reebok and them. It's good for sneaker companies to get more notoriety and more publicity out there. It's good for the fans."

"No, they never will be, only because the athletes are the first person to wear the product, especially on court. And it’s always been that way since the '70s. Or even before that in the '50s with the Chuck Taylors. We always made it the exception to wear sneakers with sweats or casual clothes."

"Brands need to get into every market possible. If you can get into the hip-hop world and the sports world, it's only going to help your brand. I see nothing wrong with that."

"It’s dope. They’re role models and idols too. Everybody is trying to leave a brand. I don’t knock any entertainer for getting a shoe. Some of them have pretty dope shoes. Look at Kanye and all the other people that have shoes; he opened a lot of doors for people."