words & images_Nick DePaula
While sitting around the house earlier this evening, I stumbled upon an article about Jonathan Bender and his desire to make a return to the NBA. His main motivation seems to be his hope to “fight off the demons inside [his] head” after reading articles claiming he was the “top bust.” That got me thinking about the tons of disappointing players that came and went during the late 90′s and right at the turn of the millennium. I also happened to be cracking open a Corona at the time, and thumbing through the very first KICKS Magazine, checking out a piece on the first wave of Jordan Brand athletes.
Then, it hit me.
“Vin Baker!”
Not only was Vin the first of the first crew to be politely dismissed from the close knit group that was the Jordan Brand Class of ’97, but he also saw his career spiral downward upon his arrival in Seattle, facing several personal battles as he soon bounced around the league. It’s tough to imagine the team that got Terrell Brandon in a 3-team trade also involving Shawn Kemp and Vin Baker got the best of the deal. Though he may not have had quite the illustrious career that people expected out of him, and his post-ball life has turned into yet another sad case of an athlete in deep financial trouble, with his restaurant and home both facing foreclosure, we can look back on some of the brighter times that Vin saw.
The Jumpman Vindicate would be Baker’s second signature shoe with Jordan Brand, as the Jumpman Pro Strong came just before it, and they retailed for $115. With an unconventionally double-lasted heel, the shoe was certainly a departure from the more flowing and technologically visual shoes of the era, keeping things understated and modest, like Baker’s low-key demeanor. With heel and forefoot Zoom Air units and a plush mesh liner, all the tech was to be found under the hood, but the story with the Vindicate was certainly it’s half/half appearance, as Jordan Brand even introduced the world to color shifting laces that would complement the toe cap and heel quarters.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:39 am
shame how homie turned out.
the shoes too lol
July 28th, 2009 at 2:51 am
I didn’t like these, especially after the great Pro Strong.
July 28th, 2009 at 3:36 am
I loved these, had them in 99 during freshmen basketball season. A very versatile shoe. Sad how Vin’s story is turning out though.
July 28th, 2009 at 6:29 am
loved the shoe! durable and twas simple enough for me…dont know what happend next to vin baker same goes to shawn kemp
July 28th, 2009 at 7:50 am
i use to own one of these!! lol
July 28th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I still have two pair from pys I have only wore one pair in almost 10 years may have to wear them out this week on our Orlando vacation.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I remember gettin these 30 bucks at Nike Outlet outside of Seattle back like 99-00
July 28th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Man these were one of my favorite team Jordans in the late 90′s. Great basketball shoe with ankle support, comfortable, good looking shoe for ball players. Jordan Brand shoes aren’t as creative outside Player signature shoes (Melo,CP3, regular jordan series). The new Jordan Brand shoes are all parts of old Jordan sneakers and they are hit and miss depending on the colorway. I really hope they re-release these.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
the great Pro Strong
July 29th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Tru Story i saw him last friday at stop n shop in CT….word on my mother lol
July 29th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I was a Baker fan. I liked these shoes too. Was a fan of the XIIs and its similar jumpman offsprings that uses that color blocking. This was one of the better ones. Understated. Can’t say much for performance as I never tried them on but nice to see them in this much detail.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
i have this shoes right now.. my gf bought it as a gift.. damn.. i kinda like the design.. so simple, yet elegance design,..