Editors challenge
Tom Spera - The Air-Jordans vs. every basketball sneaker ever made
Anyone who ever played basketball or was a fan of the game bought or wanted to buy a pair of Air-Jordans at some point in their lives. And how could you resist? This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Air-Jordans, which Jordan made famous during his rookie season in 1985. Jordan's kicks replaced Converse's Chuck Taylor "All Stars" and "Weapons," which Bird and Magic sported throughout much of the 1980s.
The only sneaker to ever come close to the Jordans in its hay day were Reebok's "Pumps." Every NBA fan remembers Reebok's ingenious marketing ploy when Dee Brown "pumped up" his pair before winning the 1991 Slam Dunk Contest. I remember replacing my Jordans with the Pumps shortly thereafter. Before I knew it, every one of my friends had a pair, and insisted on "pumping" their pumps up before every shot or pass they made in every pick-up game during recess. Eventually everyone became annoyed with it and the sneaker faded away. The Jordans came back strong throughout the rest of the '90s.
Prediction:<$> Heading into the 21st century in sports marketing the Jordans will continue to dominate the sneaker market. But in order to immortalize the shoe and keep it a classic, Michael needs to re-release some of the original designs that made the sneaker famous.
Alex Bloom - The Sixers' fresh face vs. Sacramento, Saturday night
The Sixers hope the Kings will be among the first of many victims this season to get tangled in their new Webb. A deal that went down late Wednesday evening sent Kings star forward Chris Webber as well as reserve forwards Michael Bradley and Matt Barnes to Philadelphia for forwards Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner. The new-look Sixers didn't stop there, picking up forwards Rodney Rogers and Jamal Mashburn of the Hornets for the "Big Dog," Glenn Robinson, who has seen minimal action this season. Mashburn, who has yet to play this season, will not be a factor for Philly, but the additions of Webber and Rogers to a lineup that already includes former MVP Allen Iverson - who leads the league in scoring - should make the Sixers instant contenders in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Kings, who hold the league's seventh best record, added strong depth at the forward position to complement guards Mike Bibby and Cuttino Mobley - sharp-shooting forward Peja Stojakovic and center Brad Miller, both former All-Stars. The Kings will come to Philadelphia on Saturday to meet the Sixers for a 7:30 matchup.
Prediction: Iverson and Webber combine for 70 points as the Sixers roll in a 115-102 win over Sacramento.
Nate Grubman - Antoine Walker vs. Nate Grubman in one-on-one
Walker has long been my least favorite player in the league and only after the Celtics had traded him did I feel comfortable going to school in Boston. Now that he's back, I'm irritated. Those who know me know my irrational support of everything that is Chicago.
Yet, supporting this overpaid whiny baby is going too far. That's why, in honor of the Celtics' stupidity in trading for him, I would like nothing more than to embarrass him in one-on-one. Sure, Walker has the height advantage, but I think I could make it a game. Walker, as has become his trademark, would take bizarre shots the entire game. Instead of posting me up and using his big body, as he could do to just about anybody in the league if he wanted, he would probably lob up shots from 30 feet away from the basket, just as he has been doing his whole career. When he would try to take the ball to the basket on me, I would probably take it from him, as he has averaged over three turnovers per game in five out of the last six years and is averaging 3.45 this season (for those of you scoring at home, that's fifth in the NBA). On offense, I think I'd be able to take him. I'm not the tallest guy and I can't really jump either, but that wouldn't matter. Walker's not too fond of defense.
Prediction: <$>Walker would beat me 15-2, but that's not what matters. I'd probably kick him in the nuts after the game in the parking lot.
