When it comes to sneaker wars, there's no doubt that adidas has established itself in the market as one of the top brands in the same conversation as the likes of Nike and Jordan. Throughout NBA history, Adidas has played a huge role in helping some of the biggest superstars make their moments in the league. Here's a closer look at the 10 all-time greatest Adidas NBA players, ranked.
10. Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas is officially back with Adidas — and they’re relaunching his signature “Gil Zero” shoe with upgraded Boost cushioning, now called the “Agent Gil”
The “Hibachi” theme drops June 6th 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/e9UST2YVwM
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 2, 2022
Back in the day, Gilbert Arenas was sporting adidas during his peak years. However, his gun scandal ultimately ended their relationship, costing Agent Zero a $40 million endorsement deal.
But after a little over a decade, it seems adidas has forgiven the former All-Star guard by reigniting their partnership. Nevertheless, Arenas was still one of the most dangerous scorers back in the day.
9. Trae Young
Trae Young getting work in his new adidas Trae 3 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/bPqRwtJmGM
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) July 18, 2023
Trae Young is one of the hottest shooters in the NBA today. In fact, it's safe to say that the Hawks are building around the All-Star guard to lead their franchise. The three-time All-Star has already led the Hawks to competitive playoff campaigns while making his presence felt in the league with his almost limitless range.
8. Tracy McGrady
That Adidas T-Mac 4 commercial goes hard. This gotta be on some lists. https://t.co/54zt3T6Qrk pic.twitter.com/q2ghq6l4fv
— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@VatorSports) May 28, 2023
T-Mac played a huge role in putting adidas sneakers on the basketball map. Not only were T-Mac shoes some of the best basketball sneakers, but his lethal scoring during his prime ultimately made him nearly unstoppable one-on-one. It wasn't surprising that a lot of basketball fans had to have some of his sneakers.
7. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards debuts his Atlanta Vikings adidas AE 1 PE 🟣🟡 https://t.co/a1AjGuzsRr pic.twitter.com/ntbEs5fFJX
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) March 11, 2024
There's no doubt that Anthony Edwards is responsible for the Minnesota Timberwolves' long-awaited return as a top contender in the Western Conference. Thanks to Edwards' out-of-this-world athleticism, the Wolves have been a force to be reckoned with. Given his rise in the NBA, it isn't surprising that the Three Stripes firm opted to release Edwards' signature sneakers.
6. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell didn’t listen to the maybes. He chose to inspire a generation.@spidadmitchell @adidas #ImpossibleIsNothing pic.twitter.com/cEfEmc6r40
— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) December 23, 2021
Donovan Mitchell is one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA, having once dropped 71 points in a single game. Although his Utah Jazz stint came to an end, no one can easily forget how Mitchell played an instrumental role in some of the franchise's most successful seasons. As a result, there's no question that he's one of the most explosive guards to flaunt the Three Stripes.
5. Damian Lillard
In honor of Damian Lillard’s 71-point game, Adidas is dropping the price on all of his shoes to $71.
Respect. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UUMwit38w7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 2, 2023
Given Damian Lillard's impact in the NBA, he is undoubtedly adidas' biggest star today. For the past seasons, Lillard has performed up to MVP standards, and fans are often excited to watch when it's “Dame Time,” thanks to his ability to thrive in the clutch.
Furthermore, adidas' Dame sneakers are some of the best sneakers in the market thanks to its unmatched design and comfort.




4. James Harden
James Harden makes his Clippers debut tonight while also debuting the adidas Harden Vol. 8 at Madison Square Garden 👀 pic.twitter.com/l5dVhj0HKS
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) November 7, 2023
A former MVP who took over the league with his scoring, James Harden is easily one of the top stars of adidas. Besides, no one can forget when Harden transformed from Sixth Man of the Year to become a legitimate MVP.
Harden's wide array of moves also allowed him to become an unstoppable scorer in the NBA. Initially, however, it seemed that Harden wasn't too pleased signing with the German brand after being spotted wearing Air Jordans. Nevertheless, after adidas released some nice sneakers under his signature line, it seems that all has been well in terms of their partnership.
3. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose’s insane Adidas contract includes Adidas paying Rose’s brother $250k-$350k per year and Rose’s best friend $50k-$75k per year.
That’s what you call looking after your people 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/rkctNskaow
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) August 20, 2023
Given that Derrick Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history, it wasn't surprising that adidas made him the face of their basketball line. Like everyone else, adidas was excited for Rose's supposedly bright future before a serious injury derailed his basketball career.
However, Rose did enough to make a significant impact in terms of basketball, and his comeback didn't go unnoticed. Furthermore, his adidas sneakers were also popular around the world.
2. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan put up 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists & 8 blocks for the @spurs in Game 6 of the 2003 #NBAFinals in the adidas a3 Electrify!#NBAKicks #NBATogetherLive pic.twitter.com/Ay7975KSF4
— 🏀 #NBAKicks 👟 (@NBAKicks) April 7, 2020
Tim Duncan wasn't one of the loudest competitors in the NBA. However, he lets his incredible game speak for himself. Known as the Big Fundamental, Duncan was one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, helping the Spurs win five NBA championships. As a result, the three-time Finals MVP is one of the top stars of adidas.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is teaming up with Factory8384 on some custom adidas Forum Low to benefit charity. 🟡🟣 pic.twitter.com/n2QPbOkban
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) June 22, 2021
Once known as the all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a top signing for the growing three-striped brand back in the day. Largely thanks to his signature sky hook, Kareem dominated the league en route to six NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, six NBA MVPs, and 19 All-Star Game appearances.