Bridging the Gap

Pinnacle

Business

"And with the 3rd pick, I made the Earth sick...MJ...him J, fade-away perfect..."

Jay-Z - Hola' Hovito

Last night Dwyane Wade made a mysterious post on his twitter page...something about a big announcement that was forth coming.

Standing in the Shadows of Love

In my youth there were several things that mattered outside of my family...basketball, soccer, good grades, Sega Genesis, and an occasional trip to McDonald's. There was another thing that I absolutely thought about day and night...and it was none other than owning a pair of Michael Jordan sneakers, so I could play basketball in them, as well as look REALLY good while I was wearing them.

In looking at my list above, I am 100% sure that people all across the board can relate in someway if not agree with me wholeheartedly. Well like Michael Jackson once sang, "You are not alone..." because Dwyane Wade, like a lot of other children played basketball, and wanted nothing more than to wear the Jordan shoe...it also helps that he is a Chicago native and grew up a Bulls fan.

When Wade, or Flash as I like to call him was drafted he signed with Converse because he wanted to take the road less traveled, and make a name for himself off his own merits. Fast forward to the present day, and he has accomplished that and more having won a championship in '06, and an Olympic gold in '08. He has made some serious strides since his rookie year and it was that line of thinking that pushed him to sign with the Jordan Brand, leaving his deal with Converse behind.

I don't want to speculate, but when an opportunity like this knocks, you not only have to answer it...you have to accept the responsibility with an open heart and mind.

Brand Recognition

Cameron Crazies
Defense first

"You wanna dance? We got what you want...Jazzy Jeff, and Fresh Prince busing out with the brand new funk..."

Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

I was formally introduced to Elton Brand this past summer...about an hour before I was to interview him for BET News. One of my best friends and fraternity brothers Stanley went to high school with Brand's wife...Stan also works as an ad executive for Converse. It's interesting how people and things from my past help me so much as I navigate through my immediate future.

Star Power

Now that the NBA season has begun I'm a lot busier than normal and because of that fact, I couldn't be happier. I love my job, as everyday presents something new. From the games and match-ups to the coaches, players, and owners. When I graduated from college I went to work for the NBA league office, in NYC...I quickly learned that the game I love is a business, nevertheless, over the years I've adapted to that and now I'm doing more in pro basketball, than I've ever dreamed.

Now that Brand is in Philadelphia, I interview him often, before and after games, at practice, and sometimes I call or text just to see how things are going for him and his family in this crazy city. For me, I don't write stories, I build friendships and relationships. It makes my life and job that much easier. In fact the first time I met him, he already knew who I was saying, "Hey Ant what's up, I've heard that you are the man to know in Philly...make sure you get my information before we leave." Upon hearing that I was both honored, and puzzled at how far I've been blessed to travel. He also said I can call him "Elt", to which I do from time to time. For the most part, it's funny because I hardly use anyone's name, unless it's to headline an email or text.

On Tuesday night I walked with Elt after the game to the family room...after the 76ers loss to the Utah Jazz. Below are his thoughts from the early moments of the season to his Converse signature sneakers:

Talk about leadership, and how you have defined your role as a veteran newcomer:

"I have no ego, it's all about team. There are some tough teams in the east, but I know we can play with all of them."

You played with Andre Miller before, what was that like?

"I played with Andre [Miller] when I played in my first NBA All-Star game. He was the one getting me all those easy shots, and playing with him now...it's more of the same."

You hosted the Converse Philly Open run last Saturday, what are your thoughts on the event?

"Well, where else can the kids come out, play basketball, get free sneakers, and a free lunch? I thought it was a huge success, as I'm all about helping others, and if I can do it through Converse, then it's good for everyone."

The team has struggled a little out of the box, is there any pressure on you?

"It's pressure, but it's fun, and it's exciting. I haven't had that type of feeling since my playoff run with the [Los Angeles] Clippers, and I'm looking forward to playing and getting back to the playoffs."

For more on Elton Brand watch the video below:

Photos: Manny Millan - Sports Illustrated

Getty Images

Forever Begins

Freshman year

Nike was the most known - unknown

Flight 23 prepares for takeoff

Jordan takes to the skies

Mars and Money changed the world

“I was staying in Chicago...I had my own apartment, I’d be doing like...just beats for like local acts, just to try to keep the lights on, or be able to go out and buy a...get a Pelle Pelle off lay-a-way, or get some Jordans or something...”

Kanye West – Last Call


This morning after my morning workout at the pool, I began having a conversation about sneakers with two friends. Since we all wear the same size, a question was posed about selling some of my prized possessions...I informed them that I actually had a customer today and that if he doesn’t follow through that I would gladly contact them. From there we shifted gears a little as they inquired about what I have and was willing to part with. The majority of my stock is Nike, Nike SB, Jordan, and Converse, with a few pairs of some other brands like Saucony, and adidas.

When I mentioned adidas, I told them that we would all be in the brand with the three stripes had Michael Jordan followed his heart, instead of his agent David Falk.

As a collegian Jordan wore Converse at the University of North Carolina, and upon his decision to turn pro after his junior year, the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 3rd pick of the 1984 NBA Draft. Being that he enjoyed a stellar career at UNC, and the fact that he won Olympic gold at the summer games in Los Angeles, Michael Jordan’s stock was high, and he wanted nothing more than to ride that wave of success to the NBA, and into a contract with his footwear of choice adidas.

With that mandate, Falk took initiative and began calling sneaker companies to pitch his client. At the time, Converse and adidas were the giants in the game, and Nike was the small time new kid on the block. As the relative basketball unknown Nike already had their sights set on MJ, and they made an offer of $250,000, a signature shoe line, as well as a percentage of the revenues (a first and at the time unheard of part of the deal). Michael wasn’t too fond of Nike, a shoe that he was very unfamiliar with, however his agent stayed diligent as he convinced both his client and Nike to change their stance. As history will tell you, MJ gave in to the small-time track sneaker company, and in turn they matched the offer of $500,000 by adidas.

The concept of “Air” Jordan was Falk’s idea, and the powers that be at Nike projected within the first 3 to 4 years, that the signature Jordan line would make approximately $3 million dollars. As legend has it, in 1985 alone, Nike would make $130 million...quite a turn around on a $500,000 investment.

Here are important factors as to why the sneaker did so well and continues to do so today.

• Following in the footsteps of Dr. J, Jordan had an excitement and flair that was unprecedented. He revolutionized the high flying act of such NBA greats like Elgin Baylor, David Thompson, and Dr. J. His ability to fly through NBA skies, and live up to the nickname “Air” gave him credibility that you couldn’t put a price on.
  


• The NBA had never seen a sneaker with dominant 3 colors, as the first Jordan was red, with black and white accents. That being the case, every time MJ laced up his new sneakers, he was fined $500 by the League office, which created a buzz, as EVERYONE wanted the sneaker BANNED by the NBA. Nike officials caught on very quickly, and paid all the fines for Michael, so all he had to do was wear his shoes, and play basketball.
  


• Combine the two facts above and you have a one of a kind basketball player, excelling in a never seen before technologically advanced sneaker year after year, after year.
  The Jordan XXIV is so ahead of its time, and I’ve only seen and tested an early sample, and it is going to shake up the world like Muhammad Ali did in 1964.
  


• Last but not least, in 1987 the impossible happened, as MJ teamed up with Spike Lee launching a historic ad campaign that changed marketing forever. The commercials showed the strength of the dollar in the black and Latino communities, and the shift in the advertising paradigm would by no means be the same again. Prior to this feat, NEVER was an African-American the face of a product in a positive light. The logic was that a black person couldn’t sell products to white consumers, so if you had a high profile athlete, then you would pair them with a white counterpart. Mean Joe Greene did that Coke-a-Cola commercial with the little white kid, “Have a Coke and a smile”. Muhammad Ali, sold roach spray, and Magic Johnson was teamed with Larry Bird. Nike’s advertising firm Weiden+Kennedy took a gamble, as they capitalized on authentic mass appeal of Mars and Money. This was made possible with equal parts timing, trust, and two guys from Brooklyn.

Imagine how differently your life would be had Michael Jordan signed with adidas?

Photos: Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated - University of North Carolina