Two Players Snubbed from NBA All-Star Game Hurts Adidas

Adidas loses representation in NBA All-Star Game after James Harden and Trae Young snubs.

While the teams have yet to be determined, the players participating in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game have been selected. While top vote-getters were no surprise, many fans were shocked to see Trae Young and James Harden left off the list.

Young, an avid Twitter user, has not posted anything since the news broke last night. Meanwhile, Harden, a sporadic social media user, shared his displeasure with the results on his Instagram story.

Perhaps no party is more upset than adidas. NBA All-Star Weekend is arguably the most critical time of the season to showcase new basketball shoes. The brand still has Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard carrying its torch in Salt Lake City, Utah.

But three (counting New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose) of the brand's five signature athletes sitting at home is a massive loss for the three stripes. Especially with so much riding on Young and Harden.

Trae Young

A detailed look at Trae Young's shoes / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Young's first signature shoe was a revelation. The Hawks guard debuted the adidas Trae Young 1 in Madison Square Garden with a buzzer-beater in the playoffs and wore the model throughout his historic 2021-22 season, culminating in All-NBA honors.

Young's second signature shoe launched in November 2022 for $140. The performance basketball shoe is an improvement from its predecessor in every way - except for appearance. But then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Young and his signature line would have significantly benefited from another All-Star appearance. Instead, the sophomore slump continues for the adidas Trae Young 2.

James Harden

A detailed look at James Harden's shoes / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When Harden's signature line launched in 2016, it was met with critical acclaim. Adidas enacted a major marketing push behind Harden's new line, while the shoe's namesake pushed the Golden State Warriors dynasty to the brink in consecutive years.

Fast forward seven years, and Harden and his signature line have lost steam. The adidas Harden Vol. 7 is expected to launch this month or next. There is no doubt the German company wanted the 76ers guard to debut the futuristic-looking hoop shoe in the All-Star Game.

Like Young, Harden and his shoes have plenty of time to get back on track. Both players are more than capable of carrying their teams deep into the playoffs, and winning cures all ails (including sneaker lines).

Recommended For You

Look: Kawhi Debuts Third Signature New Balance Shoe

News: Sabrina Ionescu Getting Nike Signature Line

Article: Stephen Curry Celebrates Black History Month with Shoes