After the news that iconic designer Virgil Abloh passed away after a long battle with cancer, the whole world is mourning today.
The 41-year-old is an important figure in streetwear, becoming the first black creative director of Louis Vuitton and changing the culture of sneakers with his iconic "Off-White" shoes.
Abloh has a great influence in the sports world, especially in the NBA, where many players wear his iconic sneakers during the game.
In 2020, the NBA and Louis Vuitton established a partnership. Abloh designed a variety of capsules that span luxury brands and league identities, including the LV shell customized for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Virgil Abloh of Luis Vuitton transformed Madison Square Garden and launched the LVxNBA men's capsule collection. The collaboration also includes the creation of a custom Louis Vuitton travel vase for the Larry O'Brien trophy. pic.twitter.com/iY2wpF4qv7
Russell Westbrook paid tribute to the influential designer, and several players and teams expressed their condolences on social media.
A post shared by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44)
Clippers star Paul George was interviewed by the media after the game with the Warriors, calling Abro's cultural influence "unique".
"The pioneers of our generation, the younger generation," George said. "He just created a wave of young African Americans, young men and women of color to bridge the gap. Especially things as big as Nike and the fashion world. He is just one of them and definitely opened the door for them. . Many up-and-coming designers. He is worthy of his flowers. This is unfortunate."
A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames)
Never know what people are going through... RIP🙏🏽
The family of the Bulls would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Virgil Abloh, a force that has inspired the creativity of so many people. He will miss it very much.
Over the years, Abloh's sneakers have been a must-have for some of the league's fashion forward players on the court, including PJ Tucker, Jordan Clarkson and Montrezl Harrell.
Let's review some of the most iconic Off-Whites we have seen in hardwoods over the years.
In the game against the Charlotte Hornets last week, Harrell launched the Off-White Jordan 1s.
Why didn't I realize that Montrezl Harrell recently wore Off-White Jordan 1s 😳🔥. @MONSTATREZZ pic.twitter.com/d1GhLaSIjH
In 2017, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clarkson shook Off-White x Nike React Hyperdunk.
Jordan Clarkson shined in the OFF-WHITE x Nike React Hyperdunk tonight. #kicksonfire pic.twitter.com/pCBqg6j2vL
In 2018, Russell Westbrook wore Converse Chuck Taylor's Off-White flew by Virgil Abloh and played the postseason with the Utah Jazz Match.
Devin Booker's sneaker game is on another level, often shaking a series of different Kobe PEs, but the Phoenix Suns guards often appear on the court wearing some of Abloh's designs.
In 2018, he launched Off-White Converse Chuck 70.
.@DevinBook in the next Off-White Converse Chuck 70 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6ymbqFjTWL
In the 2017 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Booker succeeded in Off-White Hyperdunks
Last night @DevinBook scored 22 points and 5 dimes in Off-White Hyperdunks. Check out my 5th rotation here >> https://t.co/BPEEYMW0ox pic.twitter.com/tpHHihGpWT
In the NBA, there is no more support for Virgil Abloh's design than the sports shoes King PJ Tucker. He has almost all the sports shoes in his rotation.
Even Off-White x Nike Air Max 90.
PJ Tucker wears Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 against Portland. pic.twitter.com/Mv6a58jbms
In 2020, Tucker came to Madison Square Garden wearing Off-White Jordan V!
PJ Tucker hits the MSG floor wearing an "Off-White" Jordan V! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/ciIsqaNddO
In 2017, Tucker shook Off-White Air Jordan 1.
PJ Tucker wears white Air Jordan 1s and Aston Martin Kobe V during tonight's game against the Lakers pic.twitter.com/uRy7KOXq8n
During the 2020 NBA Finals, Tucker launched a pair of custom Jordan 1, designed by shoe surgeon and jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills, who remixed Off-White 1 into a diamond-encrusted artwork.
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo could not believe it.
Post shared by JASON OF BEVERLY HILLS (@jasonofbeverlyhills)
The sneakers worth $250,000 are one of Tucker's.
A post shared by PJ Tucker Sneakers (@pjtuckersneakers)
While playing for the Houston Rockets, the NBA shoe king broke out a pair of Abloh Nike Hyperdunk sneakers customized by The Shoe Surgeon.
Abloh's version is white, but Tucker added red to match his Houston uniform.
A post shared by PJ Tucker (@pjtucker)
Abloh's influence on NBA fashion is huge, and his life and art will continue through his designs.