Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Business Strategy Copied in Bringing Back Allen Iverson’s Iconic Release

Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson’s collaboration with Reebok during the late 90s and early 2000s had a big impact on young ballers back then. Well, the 2001 MVP is going to create that magic once again. Now, with AI as the Vice President of Reebok Basketball, he is taking a few pointers from his idol Michael Jordan. Although Jordan and Nike have given current NBA youngsters a lot of shoe deals, most of their money comes from the Chicago Bulls legend’s retro shoes. That is the same idea that Reebok has in mind with AI’s relaunch of Answer 3.

The multi-billion sports company announced that they will be releasing Iverson’s ‘Answer 3’, first launched in 1999, on January 19 once again. In November 2023 Reebok relaunched Answer 3 White Flash Red. However, this time, the colorway would be the original black/white. The new design will take fans back to the 90s basketball. It shines with the black underlay with quilted stitching and white leather overlay. DMX Foam acts as the chief cushioning platform, rendering these suitable for in-game use today. Sneaker lovers will also draw comparisons to the Air Jordan 12 from two years prior. It could be said that this creation was heavily inspired by the Playoffs 12s. 

Back in 2022, Reebok also relaunched the iconic Answer 4 sneakers which Iverson wore during the memorable Game 1 of the NBA finals in 2001 against the Los Angeles Lakers, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his iconic stepover moment. The Answer 4 was sold for $160 at the time of its relaunch. Similarly, Answer 3 White Flash Red was set at a retail price of $140. The reported price for the Black/White pair will be $140.

The Answer 3, was the third signature shoe in the Reebok Answer line and Iverson’s fourth overall shoe. The Answer 3  is remembered for its unique style and Iverson’s rise to stardom on the court. With this re-release, Reebok will be hoping to capitalize on the trend, something that Shaquille O’Neal, the President of Reebok Basketball seems keen to do.

Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson are on a mission to revolutionize Reebok

Shaq and AI are the two big superstars that Rebook got to sign. After that, they have not managed to make an impact with their shoe deals. Well, you need not always bring in new shoes, when you make the fans reminisce about some iconic designs. As the President of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal plans to do so.

Read more: Michael Jordan Guilt Trips a Nervous Allen Iverson in Every Conversation They Have: “I Don’t Know What to Say”

He shared in an interview, “I’m like ‘Jordan don’t do new stuff.’ Jordan still sells old stuff”. Along with AI as the Vice President, it looks like Reebok might regain its position back in the market. The relaunch of classic sneakers is something billionaire NBA legend Michael Jordan has been doing with Nike for decades now with great success. The re-release trend is a powerful one indeed and Reebok will hope it reaps the same rewards for them.

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What are your thoughts on the re-release of Answer 3s? Share your take in the comments below.