How Michele Steele is approaching her assignment to cover the potentially epic Sixers’ losing streak

Michele SteeleDecember 2, 2014

Guard Tony Wroten (8) and his Philadelphia 76ers, seen here in action from the 2013-14 season, have started this NBA season in a bad way. (Phil Ellsworth/ ESPN Images)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Boston-based SportsCenter reporter Michele Steele takes Front Row through her approach to her latest assignment – covering the Philadelphia 76ers 17-game (and counting) losing streak.

1. I got an email early Monday saying they had a fun assignment in store for me:

Go to Minneapolis to cover the Sixers Wednesday when they would have a chance to tie the NBA record for worst start ever. The coverage, though, was predicated on the San Antonio Spurs beating Philly on Monday. My immediate thought turned to travel. Normally, I would put a ticket on hold for that kind of assignment — but our travel department for some reason booked me a non-refundable flight when I said the Sixers were playing San Antonio Monday.

2. The second thing you think about after booking flights is weather.

Now, I’ve said it before and I’ve said it many, many times – there’s no good that comes from prematurely checking the weather. And [Monday night] was no different:

3. Hmm. . .seven degrees with a high of 23 on Wednesday – I don’t go overboard on packing sweaters.

For one, it’s the NBA and most of my hits will be inside. Two, I’m from Chicago and I have a very, very, very, very, very, very thin layer of subcutaneous pepperoni covering me at all times for warmth.

4. Monday night, I have to admit, I doubted for a few moments that the Sixers would be able to keep the losing streak alive.

ESPN Travel knows its stuff: The Spurs – playing without Tony Parker and Tim Duncan – won, 109-103.

5. With the flight and hotel booked, I just need to worry about packing.

Jerry [Seinfeld, as the character on “Seinfeld”] said it once to Elaine [Benes] – packing is like leading soldiers into battle, you need to know the strengths and weaknesses of every guy in the platoon. From the collapsible toothbrush to an ordinary pair of black socks, organization wins out, each time, every time. I separate shirts, pants, etc. into four mesh pouches, throw a nice pair of shoes in and I’m done. I’ve taken the “ack” out of packing.

Here's everything that goes in my suitcase - I'm getting over a cold so I had my humidifier on (not going with me.) — Here’s everything that goes in my suitcase – I’m getting over a cold so I had my humidifier on (it is not booked for travel).

6. My main criteria for “TV” clothes:

Could I wear this on a cruise ship and not look out of place? A lot of bright colors.

7. I’m flying through Chicago on my way to Minny and there’s a layover, which means two things:

There’s an opportunity to charge my devices and eat some Mexican food. Shout out to the extremely delicious garlic shrimp tortas in Terminal 2, Concourse K at O’Hare – very close to the best airport food I’ve ever had.

8. Finally, all the logistical preparation pales in comparison to preparation for the story.

And while it’s always great to cover winners – all the coaches and athletes couldn’t be happier to talk about doing their job and trusting in the system – a losing team is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. The chips are down, what are you really made of?

Players aren’t going to be thrilled to talk, and they’ve heard essentially the same questions for the last 17 games, so the onus is on me to ask a question in a different way, or to see things in a new light. At this level, tough questions come with the territory. No matter where that territory is.

For more travel tips, airport food pics and the latest on the Sixers, follow Michele Steele on Twitter @espnmichele, Instagram and look for her reporting on all editions of SportsCenter.

Boston-based reporter Michele Steele was reporting for SportsCenter at Harvard before Saturday's game. (ESPN) — Last month, versatile Michele Steele was reporting for *SportsCenter* at Harvard before the Harvard-Yale game. (ESPN)