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'That's Not R. Kelly?': NBA Fans Baffled By Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Unique Outfit At Signature Sneaker Launch

Originally posted on Fadeaway World
By Chaitanya Dadhwal | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 1:32 AM ET

NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is likely having the best summer of his life after winning the OKC Thunder's first-ever NBA championship, was spotted at a sneaker launch event at a KITH store in Toronto.

In the viral video where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is seen arriving at the launch in Toronto in a white t-shirt with broad shoulders, a golden bandana, and pants that match the color of that bandana while wearing his signature sneakers, SHAI 001.

Shai's signature shoes SHAI 001 have been released to the public for the first time at this event. Shai got a pair in advance, which he wore to the event itself. He daps up his cousin brother, who plays for the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who showed up to support his brother and was standing first in line outside the store.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrives at KITH Toronto for the launch of the Converse SHAI 001 https://t.co/MXiw0bahRj pic.twitter.com/hrRbvSOeeb
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) September 4, 2025

NBA fans saw this video, and Gilgeous-Alexander's outfit and the fact that his brother was waiting in line at his event caught their attention. They went on social media and expressed their opinions on this. Several fans on the internet indicated that they believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's outfit made him look like the controversial singer-songwriter R. Kelly.

"We are not allowed to say who he looks like with this outfit, but we all see it lol."

"Bruh, how does he leave the house thinking that looks good?"

"Nobody is allowed to say this is giving R. Kelly."

"That’s not R. Kelly???"

"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dressed up as R.Kelly cosplaying Hot Sauce."

"He always believed he could fly," said a fan hilariously in reference to R. Kelly's song 'I believe I can fly'

"We might not say it, yet we can definitely see it."

"Whole time I'm thinking ya'll thinking Lil Nas X," said another fan about a hilarious alternative look-alike than just R. Kelly.

Fans also gave Nickeil Alexander-Walker his flowers for showing up to support his brother and waiting in line when he could've just as well walked in with him. The Timberwolves player waited for 12 hours in line as a sign of how much he appreciates his cousin, with whom he grew up.

"Shout out to NAW for waiting there like a real one."

"That’s what supporting your people looks like."

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the first to purchase Gilgeous-Alexander's sneaker at the store and was greeted by the Michael Jordan MVP award winner from behind the counter to process his purchase.

The duo faced off in the Western Conference Finals, where Gilgeous-Alexander came out on top. He averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds and won the West Finals MVP to put away the Timberwolves in five games and advance to the NBA Finals.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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