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From Boston to OKC and Now Houston Travis Singleton Is Well Traveled As His Passion For Sneakers Has Opened Doors | No Deadstock
FeaturedHow can a name define you? Your name within itself can help people understand the person you are or it can define the business you run. A name could make separate your business from all competition and living in the minds of the people that were there with you from the start or just recognizing your talent. For Travis Singleton, the name of Sneaker Reporter defines both his passion for basketball sneakers and telling the bigger story championing the athletes we all know and love.
Sneaker Reporter came from the judgment and even laughed from other reports in suits and ties that may not have taken you seriously. However, the ability to stick out among all other reporters, while wearing casual clothing and sneakers to express yourself had NBA Athlete noticing, and while it was great to speak to someone about basketball sneakers Travis takes pride in his chosen profession. Keep the main thing the main thing which is reporting on the games of basketball.
His passion for reporting a story and speaking to guys that other big companies see as an afterthought help him build a relationship with Paul George prior to his time in Oklahoma City, and his interview with the team best defender at the time André Roberson were the two talked for 30-minute about everything from sneakers to what he wanted to do during his career would eventually land him a position to cover the team for the next few years before taking a new opportunity with the Houston Rockets.
As a kid from Dorchester who would’ve believed that his passion for having the illest sneakers would lead to this journey of seeing Russell Westbrook win an MVP, being featured on NBA 2k, and creating a foundation that’s focused on giving away free sneakers to children in the community in exchange for kids making the honor roll in school under the name Kicks for Grades.
Because of everything that he has done through his passion for sneakers is why I’ve decided to spotlight the creator/Editor and Chief of Sneaker Reporter.com on this week’s installment of No Deadstock and as an added bonus below is a video of our interview in its entirety.
How was your time in high school your introduction into/love for sneaker culture
Being in that whole culture, that whole vibe everybody at school had the crazy heat. Once I went to high school I was like wait a minute, hold up I need to get on this Jordan wave, there’s a whole other level of sneakerheads that I need to join. I started realizing all the cool kids had the illest Jordans whether it be Jordan 13’s, 10’s, 12’s whatever it may be at the time…There was a whole bunch of people at high school that put me on so I was like man I want to join this wave…Seeing the culture, this is back when Jordans would come out on Wednesdays, so kids would be skipping school just to get the Jordans and come to school with the new J’s that just dropped I just loved that culture. It felt like a lot of the people that had swagger and were popular, and when I got my first job at Wal-Greens I was like “Oh It’s over.”
So be able to ask questions about sneakers pre-game, but still, ask the questions people might not be willing to ask post-game. Did that earn you respect amongst your peers in the media?
I feel like it did over time, I was trying to fit the mold wearing a suit and tie combination with dress shoes, but a lot of the older heads (OG)in the sports journalist community were like that kind of ain’t you type thing. Just be yourself, you’ll find your niche just be patient. After talking to a lot of people in the Boston Media they were like why don’t you wear sneakers and casual clothing. You could be the “Sneaker Reporter,” be able to twist two things into one, so that how the name came about. I feel like a lot of people started to respect me when I started asking questions about the sneaker community but at the same time going viral with in-game stuff too. I would ask KD (Kevin Durant) about the KD 7 way in advance while the KD 6 and get everything on that. While at the end of the game I would talk to him about how great he was that game and what he could’ve done better. Then he praises Greg Popovich and that goes viral and that just one night where sneaker stuff goes viral and at the same time, the in-game stuff goes viral as well. That was always my envision to make sure I’ve got people that can be versatile, you don’t have to stay in one lane and talk about the sneakers whatever on your mind you can express yourself. I feel now I’ve gained the respect of my peers but I always feel like there’s room for improvement and I’ve got to continue to get better because I’ve got you guys looking at what I’m doing, a little sister looking at what I’m doing so I’ve got to continue to put my foot on that gas and try to get to that next level no matter what it is.
So how did the partnership between New Balance and Yourself come about?
I wouldn’t call it a partnership yet were still growing, I would call it mutual respect. In Boston, all you would see is older/ mature people running around the park. Nobody was rocking New Balance like that but they definitely grow on me over time especially with the Omini Ones that caught my attention. That a shoe that came out of nowhere and I was like I could rock with this. I think it was a situation of the rebuild/rebrand of their basketball department I thought was just dope. I definitely have to support them because they’re a Boston-based brand and see what they’ve done and gone forward I would definitely want to get a collab with them if I can. My ultimate goal is to be the first reporter that got his own collab, I think that would separate me and take me to that next level. At the end of the day, there’s only one Sneaker Reporter.
So would you say his one of the reasons for your opportunity with the Thunder? Tell me about that leap of faith to contact the Thunder for this opportunity.
It was just a vibe. I was still covering the Celtics when I went out there but at the same time the vibe with the whole Oklahoma City it was there. There were like “Oklahoma City missing something like what you do somebody who can give you the best of both worlds, it would be dope if you could come out here.” So I reached out after doing my due diligence to see if I could make it happen and the Thunder welcomed me with open arms. It was just love from the jump, sometime you got to leave home in order to get the notary that you deserve or get that opportunity. When I went there it was all love, It felt like that whole Oklahoma move really made sense because I had people there I knew from networking over the years. I think that Andre Robinson’s interview definitely helped out as well. I was already comfortable with him and he ended up becoming one of my bros, someone I could just talk to and lean on. It’s just deeper than basketball at the end of the day and I cherish those moments. When I cover people, I’m covering you but I’m supporting you at the same time because a lot of journalists take about the game and not what they’ve (the players) got going on outside the game. Fundraisers, different charities, whatever it may be that’s the aspect I’m trying to bring too. I’m supporting another brother out here… When a player knows your supporting them inside and outside the arena the sky’s the limit from there because you’ve got that mutual respect.
So what was that conversation with Ronnie 2k like?
It’s weird because the director hit me and was like, “Just tell Ronnie this is who you are, I’m a tell him who you are.” And it kind of just got done, now I’ll reach out to Ronnie to check up on him, I’ll have a small conversation with him over time but it was never a big conversation… it just got done, I don’t know how to describe it but I’m appreciative of my boy Alex he definitely put me in the position. I remember when I first saw myself in 2k, I called my Mom and I cried. That feeling was deeper than the game. It’s so crazy going from playing it to being in the game it was a special feeling and nothing I would ever change man when I saw it was definitely surreal.
For those kids who may not be able to get the most hyped kicks due to whatever reason, what is your hope the Kicks for Grades program will impact the lives of its participants?
It’s all about motivation and a little bit of jealously, if you don’t get picked you’ll be like I’m going keep these grades and I’m a win next year. On top of that, you get jealous when you see some of your peers win and you’re like man I could’ve had those if my grades were better. So it encourages and motivates in a good way… So I think it’s all about just encouraging them and motivating them that anything is possible. These kids are the leaders of tomorrow, just being in a position to make sure the kids are taken care of I think that’s a big deal. So we’re going to continue to keep it going, it’s all about motivating those kids to continue to get those good grades. Yeah, you get rewarded but at the same time, there going to be rewarded for life with the education and knowledge they get.
That Forever Dog You Can Count On; Turner & Hooch Episode 1 Review “Forever and A Dog”
CelebsWhen a US Marshal inherits an unruly dog he finds his new pet is the key to his biggest case yet.
Scott Turner (Josh Peck) an ambitious, buttoned-up rookie US Marshal eager to make an impression on the force is the son of Detective Scott Turner portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 1989 film of the same name. Turner’s father hoped to leave his sleepy California town and work in the big city, until solving the murder case of his friend Amos Reed (John McIntire) with the help of a French Mastiff named Hooch.
This series follows a case of the week type format, the series has an overarching mystery, to a case that Scott’s father was working on before his passing, it’s decent. There should be twists and turns as Scott and Laura set out to find answers to their most burning questions.
In the series premiere episode “Forever and a Dog,” Turner and his partner Jessica Baxter (Carra Patterson) are assigned to the protection of Larry Gluck (Ryan Beil), a men part of a bank robbery crew who hit 22 banks in 2019. The FBI convinced Gluck to take the stand in court against the others involved. This seems to be a clear-cut assignment for the two of them with a 24-hour security detail until the trial.
Scott’s world is turned upside down after his sister Laura Turner (Lyndsy Fonseca) leaves their father’s dog who embodied the spirit of the old Hooch. Scott did not want to take on Hooch, and it’s not surprising. He’s at a pivotal stage of his career, trying to come to terms with the loss of his father and the breakdown of his relationship with his girlfriend. The death of his father seemed clean cut at the beginning of the premiere, but it’s clear there is much more to the story than meets the eye.
The next day the motel that was hiding out in gets hit and he is captured Turner happened to be on his way and as luck would saw the suspects and the high-speed chase began. After following the vehicle to an ally after the shoot out Hooch barked to warn Turner of the danger of approaching the vehicle that was rigged to explode, this was one hint into Hooches training thanks to Turner Sr.
Jessica Baxter introducing Erica Mounir to Scott Turner.
Unaware of this Turner mistakes this for behavioral issues and seeks the help of Erica Mounir (Vanessa Lengies), she runs the K-9 explosives detection training for the Marshal Service. After showing Scott that Hooch is properly trained her advice which is to trust the dog.
In a prior scene, Hooch was barking at the lawyer of Gluck but after seeing him a second time Hooch acted as if he didn’t want anything to do with him, it turns out Hooch was barking at FBI Agent Long who happened to be standing behind the lawyer and it turns out being behind the abduction. In order to retrieve the millions that Gluck and his crew stole in order to have a better life. this was the old trope of the good guy turning to the dark side because of all the bad things happening in their life.
After a shootout at the ports where Gluck was being held Turner, Hooch, and Baxter were able to arrest Agent Long and his accomplices and save Gluck. Proving his worth Hooch has been given a job with Scott as part of a K-9 Unit. It will be fun to see how the dynamic continues to unfold.
Erica showing Scott that Hooch is well trained and explaining to him that dogs act upon things that feel from people around them.
While not Disney’s first attempt at making a spin-off/follow-up television series to the Turner & Hooch movie this is a Disney+ original series created, executive producer, and written by Matt Nix and produced by 20th Television. With reboots and revivals ruling the TV development slate over the last few years, I had reservations about a TV show sequel to Turner & Hooch. Thankfully, Turner & Hooch’s first episode manages to forge a path that makes it a worthy follow-up to the Tom Hanks movie, while introducing fresh and exciting concepts, and of course, a lovable dog in Hooch.
Kicks Through the Lens (Week 9 of Playoffs)
FeaturedThere’s a reason why our countdown has only been 5 pairs for a few weeks now. It’s just slim pickings when you only have two teams left playing and 2-3 players wearing heat on the court. Nonetheless, our Kicks Through the Lens for this week had some bangers in it. P.J. Tucker brought out a new player exclusive colorway in the Kobe 6 Protros. One Milwaukee Bucks player turned back the clock and sported some Kobe 10 Elite Highs. Tucker also rocked one of the rarest Jordan samples you’ll ever see. Scroll below to check out this week’s Top 5.
5. Nike Kobe 6 Protro P.E. – Khris Middleton
4. 2015 Nike Kobe 10 Elite High “What The” – Jeff Teague
3. Nike Kobe 6 Protro P.E. – Bobby Portis
2. Jordan XVI “Veterans Day” Sample – P.J. Tucker
1. Nike Kobe 6 Protro P.E. – P.J. Tucker
SR – NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Week 9
FeaturedIn what is likely the final Power Rankings article for the 2020-21 season, it comes at a bittersweet time considering the year could end this evening with the Bucks having the opportunity to close the Phoenix Suns out at home up 3-2 in the series.
It has been a transformational series for a group of players on both teams, both good and bad, but it’s been incredibly helpful to the building of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s legacy with the way the Bucks have been able to rip away a road victory in this series after defending home court for two straight games. And conversely, it hasn’t been all too helpful for the Suns and Chris Paul, who is in imminent danger of losing a title opportunity in his first NBA Finals appearance.
These Finals have been the entire package, and of course a lot more enjoyable with a home-court presence for both teams. However, it seems that the Bucks are intent on finishing off their opponents inside the Fiserv Forum and winning their first championship in over 50 years.
And from what we’ve seen this past week, they have a probable shot at it.
The ubiquitous “Bucks in 6” proclamation made by Milwaukee legend Brandon Jennings nearly a decade ago could come true in its most significant way tonight during Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals, and should the Bucks handle their business as they have at home all postseason (9-1 at home during the playoffs), this series could end tonight.
But don’t expect the Suns to fall over and concede the series even if they’ve lost three straight games to the Bucks. For two straight games at home, this series started out with the Bucks not just on the ropes, but nearly falling out of them as it seemed that Mike Budenholzer was being outcoached and outmatched by Monty Williams’ Phoenix Suns. But as the old saying goes, a playoff series never really starts until a home team loses a series game at home, and it seems to be that a series like this can teeter in many directions once that first domino falls.
As for how those dominoes have fallen, well, we will get into that in the final Power Rankings article of the season, and the last one you’ll read until October.
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1. Milwaukee Bucks
(46-26, Won 4-0 vs. Miami Heat in First Round, Won 4-3 vs. No. 2 Brooklyn Nets in ECSF, Won 4-2 vs. Atlanta Hawks in ECF, Up 3-2 vs. West’s No. 2 Phoenix Suns in NBA Finals, Last Week’s Ranking: 1)
If you could, just for a measly second – disregard Jrue Holiday’s two-way effort in erasing Chris Paul and 61 combined points through Games 3-5, Khris Middleton’s three-game revival and rise to prominence as the best halfcourt scorer in this series, and obviously Giannis’ historical production. Look at the bench points, and more specifically the output of the second unit guys in what was probably a decisive game 5 victory inside Talking Stick Resort Arena. Those tell the story.
Many were out on Milwaukee when they lost Donte DiVincenzo in the first round of the playoffs, bench points were predicted to be hard to come by with no true scorer at point or at the two guard spot off the bench. Pat Connaughton was looked at to fil that very role, but he has succeeded in spacing the floor and using his gravity as a spot-up shooter when the paint collapses on Giannis, Jrue, or Khris Middleton. In the past three games of this series, Connaughton hasn’t dipped below 52.6 percent shooting from deep, averaging 2.75 made threes per game off an average of 6.6 attempts per game.
More impressively, take a look at Bobby Portis’ value. He and Connaughton scored a combined 23 points in Game 5’s 123-119 road win, and when Brook Lopez or Giannis weren’t there to fulfill the defensive responsibilities during their minutes of rest, the Bucks earned a kick-out shooter and reliable defender who pressured the ball and showed a body off the switch. As Chris Paul couldn’t find a way to etch his mark in the game – until the fourth quarter, that is – Budenholzer’s efficacy instilled in his men allowed for the Bucks to maintain their matchups and fluctuate towards different zone looks periodically, so much so that it was on Devin Booker (who finished Game 5 with 40 points for the second-straight game) and his 33 attempts from the field to just keep the Suns in the game.
Their gameplan to keep CP3 relatively quiet and Devin Booker overwhelmed and hyperactive worked in the grand scheme of things to grant Milwaukee the lead in this series, but now it’s largely up to them to seal the deal tonight with the same plan in place. Chris Paul has not looked good, safe to say and was vehemently outplayed by Holiday in Game 5, barring his 21 points and 11 assist with one turnover compared to Holiday’s 27 points and 13 assists with two turnovers.
While that’s caused from Jrue Holiday keeping him to only 15 shots, that hiccup made from the Bucks’ defensive tenacity could be the determinant of this series’ conclusion. Plus, Jrue’s nail help and steal on Devin Booker that finished with a lob to Giannis in the game’s final play will live on in history should the Bucks win this series.
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2. Phoenix Suns
(51-21, Won 4-2 vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers in First Round, Won 4-0 vs. No. 3 Denver Nuggets in WCSF, Won 4-2 vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers in WCF, Down 3-2 vs. East’s No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Finals, Last Week’s Ranking: 2)
My my…how the turn tables.
Just a few days ago, the Phoenix Suns were riding high, licking their chops to the sounds of prognosticators fawning over their domination and otherworldly performance in what sounded like 2021’s signature feel-good story. Their defensive edge and execution, ball movement, and playmaking from first-ballot Hall of Famer Chris Paul and “Baby Kobe” Devin Booker was as pristine as a a trinket designed by Tiffany and Co., their delegation of shot attempts to role players ample. Deandre Ayton’s domination as a PnR big was too much for the Bucks to overcome as they looked nearly unbeatable at home.
And then, they got away from Talking Stick Resort Arena, into the confines and enemy lines of the Fiserv Forum. The Deer District’s roar rocked the Suns to their core, as they’ve dropped three straight games in this Finals series, their last one at home the most demoralizing of all.
Phoenix now finds themselves on the rocks as they play their first elimination game of the 2020-21 postseason tonight, and they’re still without concrete answers on how to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo as is. But now, the cavalry has arrived in Khris Middleton AND Jrue Holiday producing mightily in Milwaukee’s race to four wins?
Game 6 lives in ominous infamy in Suns history, since the last time they played in one during the NBA Finals back in the year 1993, it did not result in their favor, even if they “thought” they had the better team. It feels like yesterday (or not, a lot of people probably reading this weren’t even born during Phoenix’s Finals appearances) that the Suns battled the Chicago Bulls, failing to extend the series to seven games as Finals MVP Michael Jordan defeated season MVP Charles Barkley’s Suns in six games.
The ebb and flow of the game is determined by its players, and as Giannis is proving all of his doubters who think he isn’t contributing in a “hooper” kind of role as the team’s likeliest candidate to win Finals MVP, Phoenix is hoping history doesn’t repeat itself and allows the Bucks to celebrate their second-ever title on the Bucks’ home floor of the Fiserv Forum.
So to prevent that, the Suns cannot afford to trade bucket for bucket with the Bucks, especially in transition. There were too many times when the Suns offense got the look they wanted, only for the Milwaukee fast break to be ahead of them with mismatches aplenty at their disposal. They allowed the Bucks to score 21 points in the open court, slightly above their series average of 17.2 fastbreak points.
And when the Suns offense went stagnant, it led to a 16-point lead evaporating during a seismic 19-point Milwaukee swing before the end of the first half.
The offensive tactics for opportunities to score in the halfcourt are there, but the game is also about getting timely stops, something the Suns uncharacteristically went away from during this losing streak. They’ll need to defend at a high level to force a Game 7.
If they don’t, and fail to raise their play to the level that an elimination game requires, then the Milwaukee Bucks will be your 2020-21 NBA Champions by the end of the night.
Source: pngkey.com