JaVale McGee is no stranger to having fun. The Golden State Warriors center is probably known more for his famous gaffes and playful jokes that have been covered endlessly on social media – and occasionally in this space – than any ferocious dunk or chase-down block he has done on the court. Because of that, we didn?t always see a unique talent with uncanny athleticism that just needed to be in the right situation to flourish. And as soon as he got to such a situation with the Warriors, he delivered by helping the team win its second championship in three years.
McGee?s path to a ring included stints with the Washington Wizards, the Denver Nuggets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Dallas Mavericks, not to mention a brief flirtation with being a naturalized Philippine citizen so he could play for their national team. There was a slam dunk contest where you could argue that was taken away from him because of another overhyped competitor. And before Dwyane Wade and fellow Warrior Klay Thompson made it the cool thing to do, he had a sneaker deal with Chinese brand PEAK
This past weekend, McGee and Thompson made their way to Sledgehammer Studios to check out Call of Duty: WWII and catch a glimpse of the new DLC that will dropping first on PS4 in early 2018. We had a chance to speak with JaVale about life as a gamer and a champion in the NBA and what sneaker he really wants for his collection.
On his experience at Sledgehammer Studios
I saw a lot of things. I got to see and talk with everybody that works here and sign autographs and see how the games are made? this like the 13th year (we?ve had a Call of Duty game), so I?m sure they?ve got all the bugs out now.
His history with the franchise
I?ve been playing since the first Modern Warfare? the only thing I don?t like is if you play online and you don?t start when everyone else starts, they’re so much more advanced than you (from prestige?ing over and over) if you?re say, two months late. Everybody already knows their spots and has their respawn areas all figured out, so you need to be on the game the moment it hits.
If people know they?re going up against an NBA player
No, I usually don?t and I like to keep it that way so I can talk stuff online (laughs). The things I be saying out there I wouldn?t want people to know, just a little bit. If they could have a bleep button that would be great. That?s what they need to add to the game?
On playing with teammates
Last year we had a group going that would play free-for-all or team deathmatch? I would say me and Klay were the best.
His time with PEAK
It was nice. They made you your own shoe from the design so it was good?
What he looks for in a on-court shoe
I?m really into cushion and ankle support, even though I don?t really need because I have pretty strong ankles, it?s more of a comfort thing over anything. Most of the shoes I wear aren?t usually the nice stylish ones that everybody else wears.
The sneakers he loves off the court are?
I really like the adidas NMDs. Yeah, I try to get every pair. I really, really like those. I?m a Yeezy guy too, but the new Yeezy season, they only stock up to size 15 and I?m a size 18 so there?s nothing there for me (laughs).
What his favorite pair of NMDs are…
I don?t have them, but I want them. They don?t come in my size but it?s camoflouge BAPE ones. They stopped at size 13s
On the feeling of winning a championship
It?s amazing, just all the hard work that a full season then four rounds of the playoffs and just being able to be a part of that and participating in that with these group of guys, who are some of the most humble people I?ve ever met. It was great and now that we know the recipe, the second time for me would be easier. You would think that but it?s not the case.
On whether he would ever suit up for the Philippine National Team ever again
That was something that happened in the past and you never know how things work in the world?.
The post Interview: JaVale McGee Needs The BAPE x adidas NMD And More Time To Play Call Of Duty: WWII appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.
