Ralph Sampson
Definition
A legendary American former professional basketball player known for his extraordinary 7'4" stature and versatile skill set.
A seminal figure in 1980s NBA history, famously selected first overall in the 1983 NBA draft and a dominant force for the Houston Rockets, whose career trajectory was arguably curtailed by chronic knee injuries.
A namesake for a classic line of PUMA basketball sneakers that became an icon of 80s court-style and are currently a staple in streetwear fashion.
Examples
If Ralph Sampson were playing today, modern centers would likely develop a sudden interest in career-ending back spasms just to avoid guarding him.
He possessed the wingspan of a condor and the grace of a gazelle, which made the rest of the league look like a collection of confused garden gnomes.
Wearing a pair of vintage Ralph Sampson PUMAs is the easiest way to signal that you treat retro basketball aesthetics with more importance than your retirement savings.