“Is it the shoes, it must be the shoes”
If you are a certain age you might remember the name Mars Blackmon. Number one Knicks fan, movie director/producer Spike Lee originated the character in one of his movies. He later introduced the character to an even larger audience in a number of Nike commercials featuring Michael Jordan. The commercial might change but Blackmon always questioned MJ how he was able to fly, Nike was already the leader in shoe sales however it’s my belief the commercials were key. MJ’s play on the court propelled Nike and Air Jordan into a lead in shoe sales one that exists to this very day. Which shoe is the best I decided to check in with Rob Stewart who played at Mizzou in 2002-2003. Rob continues to hoop spreading the gospel on the court and at church in Columbia (MO). I wanted him to provide us some shoe history.
Me: “Back in the day all players even those in the NBA wore hi-tops now it seems mid and low cut have become the norm.”
Rob: “When I first began playing in middle school all we wore were high tops.”
Me: “What’s the best shoe on the market in your opinion?”
Rob: “Right now I believe it’s the Adidas Boost.”
Me: “The last figures I read indicate Nike has 90% of the shoe market sales world-wide.”
Rob: “Not surprising I believe Nike is living off their reputation, Adidas sales point to its rapid rise in the marketplace.”
Me: “How about the support hi top versus low cut”
Rob: “Ankle support and lateral movement are just as good with low tops available now”
Rob: “Kevin Durant was considering signing with Under Armour if that had occurred along with Steph Curry being Under Armour well.”
Thanks Rob for the time you allowed me to pick your brain for basketball knowledge. Hopefully I can utilize your basketball wisdom again at some future date.
Speaking of
Kristaps Porzingis continues to play at a high level; he’s done this despite the up and down play of the Knicks. He’s raised his scoring average from 14.3 to 18.5 points per game his rebounds are down slightly from 7.3 to 7.1 per game. The field goal percentage has risen from .421 to .451. The one area down is free-throws, Porzingis shot 83% last year this year he’s at 78% so far this year.
As always this is no predictor of stardom however I continue to laugh every time I witness his play or highlights. Not laughing at him rather at Stephen A. Smith for last years rant. The Knicks have not done a great deal correct in the last two seasons but drafting Porzingis is a slam dunk. Smith didn’t think so the day after the draft he went off on the Knicks for drafting him and I’d bet money. I doubt very seriously if Smith had actually seen any video of Porzingis game action.
Charles O.
The late owner of the A’s baseball team Charles O. Finley responded to the question with this answer. The reporter said; “What does the initial O. stand for Finley responded Owner”? That was years ago however he was an owner who believed in running his business and his baseball team. Over the years there have been a number of owners with the same mentality. I believe part of it is the belief; “I built this company (corporation) I can do the same with my _____team.”
Mark Cuban owner of the Mavs has been quite vocal over the years regarding NBA rules and officiating. As for his team it appears Cuban allows his basketball people to run the Mavs despite his business acumen. If we check NBA owners most are less visible than Cuban and primarily fill the role of chief cheer leader. There are exceptions; I submit two names for consideration Vivek Ranadive Kings owner and Jim Buss co-owner of the Lakers. Notice the Kings and Lakers are in the bottom portion of the NBA standings---wonder why?
