Bobcats to Hold Midnight Release for Retro 13, But Which One?

Michael Jordan has not received enough credit for some of the positive changes he’s implemented since taking control as majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

True, since he’s been involved, the draft picks have not always panned out. For every Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin (yes, it’s not lost on me that these two play the same position, only one is still on the roster, and neither exactly set the league on fire) there is an Adam Morrison and Alexis Ajinca.

However, his most recent pick, Gerald Henderson (which was two drafts ago since the Bobcats didn’t have a pick last year…again, not lost on me) is starting to play like a first round selection and contribute valuable minutes.

Further, his ability to bring on Larry Brown helped the Bobcats to their first ever playoff appearance last year. Also playing a huge part in that were the trades he made for Stephen Jackson, widely panned at the time, and Tyson Chandler.

What’s more, his recognition that it was time to severe ties with Brown this year and bring in Paul Silas may just save Charlotte’s season and help the Cats sneak into the playoffs. My point, he’s done about as much as he could with what he’s had to work with. Not every move has worked, but at least Charlotte fans can take solace in the fact that many actually have and he’s willing to make them.

Off the court, Jordan’s involvement has led to the no-brainer marketing relationship of all times. The Bobcats have the ability to sell Jordan’s line of apparel, even some Bobcats branded Jordan Brand products. Which is unique because Adidas typically holds all licensing rights for team apparel. The Bobcats team store is the only place you can get Jordan Brand Bobcats apparel. That’s smart.

And what’s smarter is that they’re taking it a step further to have special release events for highly sought after models of the Air Jordan sneaker line. Already this season the store has hosted events for the release of the Air Jordan XI “Cool Grey” (probably the most anticipated release of 2010) and the release of the newest model in the line, the Air Jordan 2011.

And for the highly anticipated release of the Air Jordan XIII Retro “Playoffs” the store will have a release at 12:01 AM on February 26, open only to fans in attendance for the previous night’s game against the Kings. That’s brilliant.

However.

Not so brilliant is the promo that ran during the TV broadcast of the Bobcats game against the Toronto Raptors. The promo displayed the correct model of the shoe to be released, but the wrong color. Now I’m assuming if you’ve gotten this far you understand the difference between showing an all black version of the shoe you are going to sell, and a black and red version. But just in case you don’t, let me just say it’s basically showing two different shoes.

I am aware, that it’s probably a very small portion of the viewing audience that would A) care, and B) notice such a thing. But, this is the very audience that will be interested in staying for two hours after the game has ended to buy a pair of shoes they could order on the Internet at the exact same time.

The promo is shown above, and the shoe that is releasing on February 26 is shown below.

Now there are two types of people, people who don’t see the difference, and sneakerheads. Sneakerheads aren’t exactly going to get upset if you’re selling either one, but still, you have to know your stuff. Especially when “your stuff” is literally “YOUR stuff.”

The only caveat to this would be if the Bobcats team store is actually releasing these black/red versions. Now that would really be something since there has been no confirmation this colorway is scheduled to be released.

So MJ, for all the great moves you’ve made since setting up shop in the Queen City, you still have a need for a VP of Sneakers and I’ll I’m saying is, I’m available.

See you at the release.