Nike may have inked the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, Ben Simmons, but Adidas locked up five of the top picks including the guy who will likely go #2 to the Lakers, Brandon Ingram.
Also joining Ingram and the likes of James Harden, Damian Lillard and Andrew Wiggins, is Kentucky's Jamal Murray, Providence's Kris Dunn, Cal's Jaylen Brown and 7'1 Croatian sensation Dragan Bender.
“Our playbook is simple – partner with the best players and use their insights to change the game and connect with young athletes,” said Chris Grancio, general manager, adidas global basketball. “It’s no secret that at adidas players have a voice to share ideas and insights that will create the best basketball gear in the world. We’re proud to welcome them to our family and we look forward to getting started.”
The latest three stripe partners will play a collaborative and instrumental role in driving performance insights to create new footwear and apparel. They will also be featured in upcoming brand campaigns, activations and global tours.
Here's what some of the future draftees had to say about their first endorsement deal.
“For my family and I, joining adidas is truly something special,” said Brandon Ingram. “The chemistry with adidas felt right. Every day I’m working hard at developing my game and they can help me do that on a new level. I’m always looking ahead, trying to find a chance to do something different on and off the court. adidas allows me to create and that’s something I can’t do anywhere else. The best is yet to come.”
“One thing’s for sure – I’m not going to change who I am,” said Brown. “adidas represents that originality and I was drawn to their team because they stand for something. There’s a great opportunity to lead and seeing what they have ready for seasons ahead…I was sold. I’m ready to get to work.”
“adidas has been a great partner early in my career, and I’m excited to be a part of the family as I start my NBA journey,” Dragan said. “I’m always looking for ways to improve – focusing on training and growing my game every day. Wherever I land, I want to be next year’s difference and adidas will help me get there.”
“I’m always training to get better, and I’m ready to compete against basketball’s best,” Kris said. “Choosing to join adidas came down to two things: family and performance. They’ll elevate my game on the court and allow me to be a part of the process but most importantly, help build a presence in my community to give back. That’s what it’s all about for me at the end of the day.”
“Basketball is life for me,” Jamal said. “It’s about having fun but you’ve got to put in the work. After meeting with adidas, I knew they would be the partners to start my NBA journey with. Working on this together, embracing that team mentality and setting a direction for where I want to go in my career plays a huge factor.”