Ray Allen Is The Last "Team Jordan" Samurai

     

     We are just under two weeks away from the release of the iconic "Olympic" Air Jordan VI. I've had a few people ask me why this shoe is so iconic even though it isn't an "OG" colorway. I don't think you can single out just one reason as to why this shoe is so legendary, so I'll run down a few.

     First off, the shoe is fucking amazing. The Air Jordan VI is one of the most highly regarded Jordan models, plus this has color blocking similar to the "Carmine" VIs, which is arguably the best Jordan VI ever. The contrast just looks so dope.

     My second reason for this shoe being iconic is that it was worn in the Olympics by...

RAY FUCKING ALLEN! Ray Allen is a G of the highest order. I'm a lifelong Laker fan, but I can't deny how ill Ray Allen is. Greatest jump shot ever. His J is like a samurai who is so quick with the blade that you're already bleeding out by the time you notice you got cut. I'll always remember Ray for many great accomplishments.

- NBA's all time leader in 3 pointers made.

- NBA champion with the 2007-08 Boston Celtics.

- Most 3 pointers in a NBA finals game (8 in game 2 of the 2010 finals at LAL)

- Olympic gold medalist at the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia.

- Epic three way with two white girls in the Spike Lee film "He Got Game"

- Sex scene with legendary fly tenderoni, Rosario Dawson in the Spike Lee film "He Got Game"

- Oh yeah, he starred in "He Got Game"

I told you, Ray's done a lot of cool shit. But one thing that stands out to me as a sneakerhead is that Ray is the last man standing from the original "Team Jordan". Back in 1997 when Jordan became it's own brand within Nike, Jordan recruited five up and coming NBA players to rock the first "team" Jordans. Those players were: Eddie Jones, Vin Baker, Derek Anderson, Michael Finley, and Ray Allen. Peep the commercial spot:

     As long as Ray is balling in ill Jordan PEs, I'll always think back to the beginning of Jordan Brand and how cool I thought those five dudes were, how dope team J's used to be, and a golden era in kicks. The Olympic VIs, to me, represent the last Samurai of the OG Jordan roster. All those other dudes were very good players, but Ray is the last man standing. To me, Ray is the last player from the era when Jordan Brand really was the shit, not how all it can move now is poor quality retros.

     Salute to team USA, salute to the Olympic VI, and salute to the OG, Ray Allen. Good luck copping yours, fam.