Nike basketball commercials in the ’90s were, pardon the term, unfuckwitable. Jordan was retired by the time they filmed this one, but seeing that he and Barkley were still somewhat fresh off the ‘93 Finals (and were close friends) the chemistry was perfect. And always one to throw in a curveball, Nike (rather, longtime ad agency Wieden & Kennedy) brought in Digital Underground MC Shock G to spice up the proceedings. And, in case you were wondering, this is all just a roundabout way of wishing Shock G a happy birthday today.
Yeah, sure it’s Jerry West’s birthday today — but when did he ever play leapfrog with Jason Caffey? Happy birthday to the Hammer, Armen (or Armon) Gilliam.
Happy birthday to Kendall Gill, who we’d rather remember as a high-flying Fightin’ Illini than the dude with frosted tips who seemed to enjoy lotioning-up postgame a bit too much. Also, he became a boxer.
Happy birthday to former nearly-every-NBA-team-ever guard Ron Mercer, seen here being awkwardly lowered from the ceiling in a game against Iona. The Boston Celtics selected him in the first round of the ‘97 Draft along with Chauncey Billups — and got rid of Chauncey Billups. Good work, fellas.
Happy birthday to former Bad Boy Piston (and Heat/Raptor/Bull/Laker) forward John “Spider” Salley, seen here politely creating space under the basket. Fellow former SLAM Ed. Ryan Jones and I once spent a very entertaining evening drinking with him and Judd Nelson at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Hollywood during the 2004 NBA Finals.
Today is Bill Wennington’s (@34billy42) birthday no matter what Basketball Reference says, so wish him a happy so he’ll stop staring at me. Thanks.
Yo Money, it’s GOTTA be the shoes!
