Between lining up in the blistering cold and rain for the Hideout x Livestrong x Nike Sportswear Air Footscape Woven, work and a few hours of broken sleep, after 48 hours, I have finally gained access to the net. Going through the usual process of checking my mail, flipping through Facebook and running through the various blog sites; I came upon this piece of news:
No disrespect to Converse, but for sneakerheads who love the NBA, it’s always disappointing when an elite player wears some kicks that don’t mesh with the premier level of their game. Without calling out any names, there have been a bunch of great players who haven’t had great sneaker games, but Wade is a man with style, and it’s only fitting that he finally joins the Jordan team. The news has just been announced that D-Wade signed with Jordan Brand and sneakerheads are already speculating on what a Wade Jordan shoe will look like. With Kobe and LeBron already dominating the Nike Basketball scene, Jordan Brand seems like a good fit for Dwyane, who will definitely be given his chance to shine there.
Upon signing, Dwyane had this to say, “For me, the move to Jordan Brand is a dream come true. As a kid, I grew up on the south side of Chicago idolizing Michael Jordan and have worked hard to achieve the same success that he’s had on the court. I have enormous respect for this brand and all that it stands for. I’m humbled to be a part of the Team Jordan family and I’m looking forward to a great future.”
When asked about the landing Wade, Michael Jordan replied, “I’m thrilled to have Dwyane Wade join the Team Jordan family. In his short time in the league, Dwyane has transformed himself into one of the game’s best and is the embodiment of leadership both on and off the court, a signature trait of our athletes. As the Jordan franchise approaches its silver anniversary, Dwyane will become a pinnacle member of the Jordan roster poised to help lead the Brand for years to come.”
Obviously, with the news just breaking, it will probably be a while before we see a signature model, but you know that Sneaker News will keep you in the loop with the latest on the Dwyane Wade/Jordan union. Via SC. Additional photos via dwyane-wade.us
It’s interesting to see Wade jump over to Jordan Brand. But then again, what athlete would not want to play on the biggest stage in the world, wearing the highest performing footwear from the greatest player of all time?
Speaking with Jordan (of the Gibson variety, not Mr23), we realized that Jordan Brand, currently, does not have any marquee players...Until now. Yes there are very good players; in fact some of the best in their field and in the game (Case in point: ex-UConn alumni Ray Allen’s Jump-shooting-will-not-miss-regardless game, and Rip Hamilton’s mask-wearing-midrange-off-the-curl/screen-game), All Stars and even ones of MVP caliber; Chris Paul et al. But, there are only a few players that leave you with the impression that Wade leaves on the court. Not to take away from current JB endorsed players such as Melo, but Wade is a true Superstar. He alone propped up Converse Basketball (don’t tell me people wear Converse for Captain Kirk), all while winning a Championship Ring, an Olympic Gold medal and fostering an environment where you only need to add four players around him that can shoot, rebound and play a little D. Wade makes the game easy as one mearly must stand on the perimeter and be ready to catch and shoot.
If people were to ask, what one player would you start a franchise with, or what player would you give the ball to with the game on the line, or who makes their team better, or any other question that calls in a player’s desire to win, be the best, and perform at the highest level, one would be very hard pressed, if not physically incapable on including the Flash. Wade is one of the few talents that electrifies the crowd, has fans at the edge of their seats but more importantly can carry a team while having very little to work with.
People say sex sells. Well, as much as that is true, Wade Sells. Wade is a product that sells jerseys, sells tickets, and more importantly for David Stern; the NBA image to the world.
He is the reason people tune in.
He is the reason why people watch.
He is the reason why people want to go and work on their game.
Wade is a franchise and will be the reason why people want to play basketball. But more importantly…
Wade signs with Jordan Brand
