D-Wade & Jordan Brand

It's pretty old news that Dwyane Wade has made the jump from Converse to Jordan Brand. I was initially uninspired to write about it because he was building up the impending news via Twitter right around the time Odom was feigning an interest in signing with Miami (I know, I just can't get over it). When the news finally broke, I was pretty disappointed it didn't involve free agency, but I was intrigued by the possibilities of Wade being endorsed by Jordan brand. Now, thanks to a post from Nice Kicks, I'm suddenly looking forward to seeing what D-Wade will be sporting on the hardwood next season. I mean, it will obviously be better than this or this. Sorry Converse, but no amount of React Juice can make those shoes any better.

NiceKicks.com: "There is no doubt that both of these sneakers coincide with the Miami Heat jerseys; however, both of them may be a little too loud for the NBA’s preference. For example, the black Air Jordan 5 seems like a no-brainer, yet when the bright arena lights hit the 3M upper it will seem like Wade is sporting an all-silver sneaker. As for the red pair, it may be a little to eye-catching and head-turning for David Stern. If you recall, Stern fined MJ for wearing the Air Jordan 1 because of its vibrant color."

That's some old bullshit right there, Stern.

Jordan Exhibit at the Basketball Hall of Fame a Corporate Affair?

I just came across this article from the New York Times lamenting that the new Jordan exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA was put together with Nike/Jordan Brand having complete control. The exhibit is to honor Jordan's induction, which will take place on September 11. I'm not quite as disillusioned by the whole thing. I'm even considering making a trip to go check it out. Sure, it'd be nice to have some artifacts like his rings or game worn shoes and jerseys, but judging by the few pictures I've seen, it looks to be pretty sweet. And besides, there was no other athlete before Jordan to turn his image into a business like he did with Nike, so it feels somewhat appropriate. I can see where they're coming from in the article, but I'm still interested to see it.

On the subject of corporations honoring Jordan's induction into the hall of fame, here's Gatorade's contribution, created with 19,000 Gatorade bottles in the south side of Chicago.


Photo of exhibit courtesy of the New York Times