Before The Deal: What The NBA's Best Players Wore Before They Got A Sneaker Contract

Amateur status.

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Complex Original

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Sneaker moments are etched into our memories in ways that most of us will never forget. A lot of those memories come from our favorite players inking deals that land them signature sneakers, special colorways, or at the very least, some early access to dope kicks. But what about before those deals were made? The defining moments of a sneakerhead turned pro athlete sometimes come before the player even sets foot on an NBA court and for some, it comes between contracts. Check out Before The Deal: What The NBA's Best Players Wore Before They Got A Sneaker Contract.

Larry Bird

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Charles Barkley

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Brandon Jennings

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Gilbert Arenas

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Kobe Bryant

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Ray Allen

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Tracy McGrady

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Penny Hardaway

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Derrick Rose

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Kevin Durant

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Carmelo Anthony

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Kevin Garnett

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Stephon Marbury

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Jason Kidd

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Shawn Kemp

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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Isiah Thomas

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Patrick Ewing

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Alonzo Mourning

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Baron Davis

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Vince Carter

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David Robinson

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Jerry Stackhouse

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Antoine Walker

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Mike Bibby

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Tim Duncan

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Magic Johnson

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Grant Hill

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Chris Webber

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Kemba Walker

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Larry Johnson

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Michael Jordan

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LeBron James

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Allen Iverson

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Shaquille O'Neal

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