With the news that Dwyane Wade and Jordan Brand have ended their partnership, it’s time to remember their three-year run. It wasn’t all about the Fly Wade’s, however; the ads Wade appeared in were as memorable as any player’s in the last few years. Hit the jump to check out my favorite five.
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5. DOMINATE ANOTHER DAY, PART II
The sequel to Wade’s first “Dominate” spot shows Kevin Hart‘s “H” being the least helpful spy assistant the world has ever known as Wade escapes ninjas, throwing stars and an evil-multiethnic villain all to get to practice on time. (This probably didn’t make Allen Iverson’s top ads list) Even though Jordan and Wade have split, the ad is timeless when you consider it could be a metaphor for Mario Chalmers and Wade’s relationship last season in the playoffs.
4. NIGHTMARES NEVER SLEEP
I’d forgotten about this, to be honest, but a transforming Wade basically scares the eyeballs out of a defender — after scaring off cheerleaders, announcers and most the fans in a sequence that looks like he’s become a Harry Potter Death Eater. What could be more terrifying than being left alone with your nightmare? Nothing, Nike tells us — and it won’t be the last time, the ad hints. With this at one end, and Wade’s spots with Hart at the other, his ads for Jordan Brand go the length of the tone spectrum.
If you’d like a behind-the-scenes look at the commercial, why Dime has the perfect video from the shoot.
3. LOVE THE GAME
This Jordan Brand spot from the 2011 lockout wasn’t a commercial solely built around Wade, but it was a hilarious take on what the Jordan athletes did during their time away. Wade gets first billing, tearing up leagues in Little Havana, a muni league and at an old folks run. Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony also make appearances playing in decidedly non-NBA venues because they “love the game” so much. It’s genuinely one of the best sneaker ads I’ve ever seen.
2. THIS IS FLIGHT
If you know Wade’s game then it’s obvious the chase-down block is one of his best moves. Although there were times last season in the playoffs, especially against Indiana, when it seemed Wade’s speed and hops had left him it’s still a strength. This spot for Jordan played off that element of his game with the speed and flight of a half-pipe.
1. DOMINATE ANOTHER DAY
Fly Wade flies into Miami in a sequence that could have been out of a James Bond spinoff, talking with Kevin Hart again about the need to bring the “rings back to Miami.” There are subtle references to fighting off his nemeses the Snake Charmer (Kobe), the Illusionist (Orlando) and the Green Gang (Boston). The best part is, Hart reins in his act so show off Wade, instead of being, well, the loud, typical Kevin Hart.
What’s your favorite?
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