Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is one of 12 NBA rookies for the 2022-23 season who have signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas, representing a record draft class for the sneaker and apparel company.
The company announced the signings on Thursday though specific terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Smith joins Jalen Green, who signed with Adidas as part of the 2021-22 rookie class, and former Rockets superstar James Harden as some of the most noteworthy players signed under the brand.
“This is just the beginning,” tweeted Smith, a former Auburn player who is still only 19 years old. “Excited to announce I have joined the Adidas family for the next chapter of my career!”
While Nike still produces Houston’s jerseys as part of its agreement with the NBA for all teams, Adidas will hold a large influence in the organization for all other areas, including, most notably, the shoe choices that will accompany those uniforms.
Other 2022-23 rookies to sign with Adidas, per Thursday’s announcement, are Bennedict Mathurin, Keegan Murray, Nikola Jovic, MarJon Beauchamp, Ousmane Dieng, Walker Kessler, Johnny Davis, Dalen Terry, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Mobley and Blake Wesley.
This is just the beginning. Excited to announce I have joined the @adidas family for the
next chapter of my career! #createdwithadidas pic.twitter.com/4UCEdMXbra— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) December 15, 2022
BREAKING // Adidas has signed 12 NBA rookies, its largest Draft class ever:
• Benn Mathurin
• Keegan Murray
• Jabari Smith
• Nikola Jovic
• MarJon Beauchamp
• Ousmane Dieng
• Walker Kessler
• Johnny Davis
• Dalen Terry
• Jalen Williams
• Isaiah Mobley
• Blake Wesley pic.twitter.com/Rnrv9PQyUv— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) December 15, 2022
