The Return of the Specs
Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Jordan's tongue, Magic's smile, Bird's mustache, Barkley's temper, and of course, Rambis' black-rimmed glasses. These references conjure up blissful memories of 80's basketball that will forever remain part of the NBA culture. On Friday night, Wolves' fans will unite to celebrate the iconic-look of the man that now graces the sidelines at the Target Center sans glasses.
As Minnesota welcomes the high-flying Phoenix Suns, the first 5,000 fans will receive a free pair of replica Rambis playing glasses courtesy of KSTC-TV Channel 45. Fans also have the opportunity to donate a new or used pair of eyeglasses to the Target Center that night to receive a pair of tickets to the Wolves-Clippers contest on December 16. The eyeglasses collected will be distributed to the Disabled American Veterans who will issue them to Minnesota Veterans Homes for veterans who cannot afford to purchase new glasses.
"This is a unique opportunity to recognize Kurt within the Twin Cities marketplace with something he is so closely associated with from his playing days," Timberwolves president Chris Wright said. "While having some fun with this promotion, we also want to encourage fans to donate eye glasses to the Disabled American Veterans and support the phenomenal work that they are doing in our community."
During Rambis' 14-year playing career, he was lauded for scrappy performances on one of the greatest teams in the history of the league. While earning four championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Rambis generated a tremendous amount of fanfare surrounding his appearance on the court. The glitzy LA crowd featured the likes of Dyan Cannon and Jack Nicholson in a night-club type of atmosphere at the Great Western Forum. In addition to the unique Rambis persona, James Worthy also sported goggles along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and even Pat Riley presented a stylish approach to coaching.
Roughly 20 years from the Showtime Lakers, players and teams continue to identify themselves with a specific look. Allen Iverson started a trend in the late 90's, bringing back the headband that is clearly visible throughout the league today. The new generation of NBA stars are marketing pregame rituals, such the LeBron James chalk-toss or Kevin Garnett bumping his own chest.
It's interesting to watch the evolution of trends. Fans love to follow a particular style of their favorite player. However, Rambis' did not plan his persona; it was out of necessity for the simple purpose of sight.
"When I was growing up I played football, basketball, baseball. I kept getting hit in the face and [my glasses] kept breaking, and my dad finally went to a store and found some unbreakable glasses, slapped them on my face, and if I wanted to play I had to wear them. So, I had no choice and that's what I grew up with. It wasn't a first option, believe me," Rambis said.
Ironically, Phoenix Suns (one of Rambis' former teams) forward Amar'e Stoudemire was forced to wear goggles this season to protect his surgically repaired retina. In order for his eye to heal correctly, Stoudemire had to lay face down for 22 hours a day for a taxing 10-day stretch. When the 6-10 All-Star gazes at the Target Center crowd on Friday night, he will be reminded of the grueling offseason process that saved his career.
The specs take on a different meaning for each individual entering the arena following the Thanksgiving feast on Thursday. Some fans will see the promotion as a chance to jump back in time and remember the glorious 80's NBA. Rambis may feel torn between a look he was not quite fond of and being an iconic part of league history. Everyone can agree the donations to The Minnesota Disabled American Veterans' are the essential piece of the evening.
Most people cringe at the sight of their appearance from two decades ago. Hey, isn't hindsight 20-20?
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