Yesterday, the Jordan Brand shook up the sneaker world with the announcement of the latest in their signature Air Jordan series - the XX8.
How? By releasing a show that's a whopping 8 inches tall - a brand new innovation for the brand that likens the shoe more to a combat boot than a basketball shoe.
The theme of the shoe centers around "stealth" and when zipped up, the all-black exterior is the highest cut of all basketball shoes. However, when unzipped, we see a more traditional basketball shoe and a bright neon tongue.
The shoe will be available in Houston for the All-Star Game on February 15th and nationally on February 16th. Russell Westbrook was the first NBA player to rock the XX8s in a game tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, as you'll notice those photos in the slideshow above (additional photos from Jordan & SI).
At just 13.5 ounces, the XX8 is being promoted as the lightest and most responsive Air Jordan model to date. When Tinker Hatfield, who has led the design of each Jordan Brand signature shoe since 1988, Jordan Brand product developer Josh Heard and their team began designing the Jordan XX8 sneaker about two years ago, they emailed Michael Jordan and asked him what his definition of “stealth” was. Jordan replied with a text message, and perhaps the best Jordan quote of all time:
“Stealth is like a black cat,” Jordan wrote, according to Hatfield. “You never hear it coming, but it’s deadly as hell. It’s an automatic aircraft. You can’t f*** with an automatic aircraft. It’s like my game. When you see it, it’s too f****** late.”
OK, so what do you think? My first impression was wholly negative, but upon closer inspection, I have grown to be lukewarm. And first and foremost, I admire Jordan and Hatfield for executing a whole fresh and new idea while I'm also very much behind the "stealth" theme.
Like it, rate it, drop a comment with your thoughts!
Anthony Davisis stunned by the news he's a Pelican
In an interesting piece of sports news today, the New Orleans Hornets announced they are undergoing a nickname change, deciding that Pelicans is the way to go, as early as 2013-14. Because nothing screams intimidating quite like Pelicans.
The Hornets planned to change their nickname since Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, purchased the team on April 14. Benson also owns the rights to the nickname Pelicans.
The Hornets also considered the nicknames Krewe (groups of costumed paraders in the annual Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans) and Brass.
Louisiana is the Pelican State. The brown pelican is the state bird and appears on the state flag and seal, and official state painting. Moreover, the Pelicans played minor league baseball in New Orleans in all but nine seasons from 1887-1959 and in 1977.
So there's a state relevance involved. That makes it better. But Pelicans?! Thoughts on the new nickname?
I seriously need to buy tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets play because your pretty much guaranteed to see the Carters their. Last night Beyoncé and Jay-Z watched the Brooklyn Nets smash the New York Knicks. In just four months Beyoncé will be returning to the music scene on February 3rd to preform during the halftime show at the Super Bowl. Then kick over to February 16th we can catch her HBO documentary airing.
Also rumor has it that Beyoncé will be debuting a new single during the Superbowl halftime show. I could see this being very much true since this would be one of the highest platforms any artist to debut a new single. Seriously do you know how many people watch the Super Bowl? Knowing Beyoncé she’s going to reap all the benefits from this launch into her next album.
I wonder what they were talking about here because the look Beyoncé is giving Jay-Z in this picture is priceless.
"My true fans, they know, man. I'm never gonna stop. I know I got my family, my friends, and the city, behind me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my fans. They mean a lot to me. I can't thank them enough."
- Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is "all in". And it's only fitting "all in" is the last episode of adidas' inspiring documentary series #TheReturn.
In this installment, Rose says he's at peace with himself and that he is working hard and being himself for the fans. As with everything D. Rose, you can really feel the genuine, authentic, realness to him. And the final quote will leave you moved. (It's not the quote above... you should watch and hear that one from Rose himself.)
Props to adidas, Rose, and the whole movement for truly becoming a movement - one that has been inspirational to countless amounts of people like myself. While we all don't play basketball, we all have struggles that parallel what Derrick is going through that we have to persevere through and rise above. When we see and feel that there are people out there persevering as well, it creates a motivating sense of unity, like, "hey, we're all in this together!" Yup, "all in" is fitting, indeed.
Over the weekend, the Chicago Bulls announced plans for a new practice facility, to replace Lot J next to the United Center, and transition away from the team's facility in Deerfield since 1992, the Berto Center. The practice facility will help the continued revitalization of the West Loop neighborhood surrounding the UC and from the initial architecture rendering released above, it looks like it will be quite the beautiful addition (and look at the El in the background. Chi-City!). Plus, the way the Bulls have played the last couple games, this new practice facility couldn't come soon enough (hey!). That expected date will be for the 2014-2015 season. More details below, via Bulls.com.
The facility is anticipated to be approximately 55,000-square-feet in size. The firm, 360 Architects, has been selected as the lead project architect, and McHugh Construction has been named the General Contractor. The Bulls are committed to providing opportunities for Chicago-based companies, including women/minorities owned businesses, to be selected as part of the construction project.
“Today’s announcement is the latest example of our longstanding commitment to the City of Chicago and to our fans,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Investing in a modern facility for our players and coaches will help us to achieve our team’s number one goal – winning championships – while also playing an important role in the city’s ongoing redevelopment efforts in our West Side neighborhood.”
Another riveting episode of The Association! This week's installment follows the Brooklyn Nets through a 4-game win streak, culminating in their primetime showtown with the Boston Celtics just the other night on Thursday. I continue to be impressed at the lightning quick turn-around from the NBA. As a result, this is as current as a reality show can get. Enjoy!
Memo to adidas: stop releasing cool colorways of the D Rose 3, I'm having a hard time deciding which pair I want to get.
Today, the new 'Brenda' colorway was released, following up on the 'Brenda' debut of the Rose 2's last season, which I was a big fan of. Likewise this season, I'm a big fan. Here are the details and inspiraton:
Dubbed “Brenda” the colorway pays homage to the most important person in Derrick’s life, his mother Brenda Rose. The red nubuck upper represents her favorite color, and the crackled grainy finish represents Derrick’s upbringing in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The inside of each tongue has a close-up print of the D Rose family story graphic featured in the D Rose apparel collection and launch colorways. The left tongue features an inscription of “Brenda” in stylized red script while the right features Derrick Rose’s lasered signature.
Above all, you gotta love the homage and respect that Derrick can pay towards his mother Brenda in this lens, amongst many more. Look out for the Brendas on November 19th!
