Inside Adidas Basketball’s Future: Conversations with the Next Generation of Stars

Adidas Basketball took center stage during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, bringing together some of the most promising young talent in the game. We sat down with several Adidas athletes to discuss their journeys, their favorite sneakers, and what they envision for the future of the brand.

Evan Mobley reflected on what it meant to be recognized as an All-Star this year, calling it a blessing and a testament to his hard work. He pointed to his offensive improvement as the biggest factor in his growth, noting that his defensive game has always been strong. When asked about the latest Adidas signature models, he shared his admiration for both the Dame 9 and Harden Vol. 9, calling them two of his favorites. As for his own potential sneaker line, he envisions something "new and innovative, something unique," and is excited for what’s ahead. Off the court, Mobley has a deep passion for music, something he spends his free time working on, and his favorite colors are red and blue.

Jalen Williams discussed his appreciation for the Harden Vol. 9, revealing that he was among the first to wear-test the model before its release. His favorite colorway so far is the "Ice Metallic," though he hinted at an unreleased version in his rotation. He credited the Thunder’s success this season to their team camaraderie and growing maturity with each game. When asked about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s well-known sense of fashion, he admitted that there is indeed a friendly competition between them, especially as Williams continues to elevate his style. As a representative of the younger generation of Adidas athletes, he hopes to see Adidas continue to "constantly reinvent themselves" and appreciates the brand’s ability to balance old-school aesthetics with futuristic elements, particularly in models like the Vol. 9.

Darryn Peterson, Adidas Basketball’s first-ever high school NIL athlete, expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the brand. When discussing his commitment to Kansas, he emphasized the family-like atmosphere that made the decision feel right. His favorite Adidas sneaker is the D.O.N. Issue 6, citing its comfort as a major factor. Looking ahead, he hopes to make a meaningful impact with Adidas over the next decade. Off the court, his go-to sneaker is the Adidas Samba.

Aaliyah Edwards spoke about her transition from wearing Nike to signing with Adidas, highlighting the sense of "sisterhood" and family within the brand. She admires the women athletes representing Adidas and appreciates both the lifestyle and performance footwear they’ve been putting out. She’s a big fan of the Adidas Campus for everyday wear, while on the court, she loved the lightweight feel of the Vol. 8 and the futuristic, sturdy design of the Vol. 9, calling it "chic." When asked to describe what her own signature sneaker might look like, she envisioned something "unique, bouncy, and comfortable," possibly in a purple colorway. Her main focus for the upcoming season is consistency in her game, and as a young Adidas athlete, she hopes to see the brand expand its basketball product range to match its already strong lifestyle lineup.

Gradey Dick reflected on his journey to the NBA, calling it a dream come true to join the Toronto Raptors. He admitted that transitioning from college to the NBA was a challenge, particularly adjusting to the increased intensity, but he’s embraced the process. His favorite sneakers right now are the Harden models, while outside of basketball, he loves the Bad Bunny Adidas collaborations. If he were to design his own signature sneaker, he’d take inspiration from the chunky, standout design of Bad Bunny’s line, aiming for something bold yet comfortable with a distinctive on- and off-court appeal. His favorite color is emerald green.

Adidas Basketball has a bright future, not just because of its cutting-edge sneaker innovations, but because of the way it fosters a true sense of family within the brand. Whether it’s the way they treat their athletes, employees, or customers, Adidas stands out as a company that genuinely cares about people. These athletes are just a few of the many rising stars carrying the Three Stripes forward, and from what we’ve seen, the future looks incredibly promising.