MUST WATCH: THE NIKE BARBERSHOP
Nobody makes television commercials like NIKE. From the inspirational, to the awesome, they rarely miss. What I had forgotten is they once did “organic, funny, and real” too.
In the early ‘90’s, Nike put their stable of athletes in a barbershop, let them talk to each other, and let the cameras roll. You might remember the famous George Gervin line, “One thing I could do…was finger roll,” but did you remember that coming from a TV spot?
I defy you to watch the video above and not laugh.
By far, and without equivocation, the best part of this series is the laughter. It’s raw. It’s real. And it puts you in that barbershop. Also, of note, Tim Hardaway’s breakout role as Tim Hardaway.
CHRIS WEBBER + LATRELL SPREEWELL
“I don’t believe in role models, but, uh…you mine.”
They’ll show Shaq and Barkley fighting until they’re blue in the face, but I feel like Inside the NBA doesn’t play this clip enough. Webb clowns Chuck, and Spree showcases his world-class laugh.
ALONZO MOURNING + CHRIS WEBBER
“My body is my business.”
I’m only posting this one, which is boring by comparison, for one reason: noted Hollywood actress Elise Neal, perhaps best known for her turn as Yvonne, opposite D.L. Hughley, in his eponymously titled sitcom, plays the young barber.
I’m guessing she has no clue how to cut hair by the sheer fact that she keeps combing and combing the back of Zo’s head. NIKE actually scripted another spot where she’s desperately trying to act like she’s actually the purveyor of this hair-cutting business. It’s a little painful, so watch it here. Best part? Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond rebounding parking lot shots.
DENNIS RODMAN + TIM HARDAWAY:
“Before he had them two rings he was like…”
Rodman’s known for a lot of things, but you sort of forget how cool he was and likely still is today. He oozes self-confidence. Ice-cold, jack.
DAVID ROBINSON + TIM HARDAWAY + DENNIS RODMAN:
“I think we might have to come up with some other way of celebrating.”
DENNIS RODMAN + GEORGE GERVIN + ARTIS GILMORE:
“They don’t put my name on this shoe. They got Michael Jordan but they won’t put Dennis Rodman on there.”
Goddamn: You know the weather’s bad in Seattle when it’s raining Shawn Kemp private parts on your head.
Why would you even put your baby on the court?
From Dennis Rodman's Hall of Fame Speech
- Phil Jackson: Dennis, would you like to be a Chicago Bull?
- Dennis Rodman: I don't give a damn.
- Phil Jackson: Welcome to the Chicago Bulls.
Worm & Norm Macdonald (as Bob Dole). Saturday Night Live.
Happy 50th, Rodman.
(Source: Sports Illustrated)
The homegirl, supermerk, dropped this little bit of knowledge on me today. She’s a loyal reader, and I thank her for the contribution.
I grew up with the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s Pistons. My father’s favorite team. They were and are the team of Toledo, Ohio, and I learned NBA basketball by watching Chuck Daly’s squads.
I’ve actually been writing a big piece on them, how remarkable they are, and how you’ll probably never see a team like them again, but like everything else on this site, it’s behind.
Sorry. Appreciate your patience and enjoy the video.
