adidas Missed Out on Giannis Antetokounmpo By Neglecting a Deal with Thanasis

Given the intense competition in the sports industry with numerous top athletes serving as influential brand ambassadors, the market for signature basketball products has become highly competitive, especially between Nike and adidas.

Nike’s Zoom Freak series, fronted by Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been a significant success since its launch in 2019. However, it might surprise you that this series could have been under the adidas Freak banner.

The recent guest on his older brother Thanasis’ podcast, Thanalysis, was none other than MVP and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A segment of the show delved into how Nike managed to secure the loyalty of the Antetokounmpo family, stemming from a sequence of events that began with adidas missing out on a player who would go on to win an NBA MVP title, an NBA Championship, and create one of the most prosperous signature shoe lines available.

During his rise through the European youth basketball circuit (similar to EYBL, Nike Hoops Summit, adidas 3 Stripes Select, etc), Giannis was considered one of the most promising prospects. At that time, adidas engaged with him and his family to discuss potential future collaborations.

These discussions led to agreements being reached between the Antetokounmpo family and adidas for both Giannis and Thanasis. The proposed agreements primarily revolved around complimentary footwear and apparel, along with an alleged amount of $3,000-5,000, as mentioned by Giannis.

On the day scheduled for signing the contracts, Giannis, Thanasis, and their mother visited adidas headquarters in Greece. According to the brothers, the representative who had initiated the deal with them suddenly changed demeanor, leading to an evident shift in the atmosphere.

Ultimately, adidas did not extend a contract offer to Thanasis at that time, assuring them that they would sign him later.

Promptly, Giannis turned down the offer, paving the way for Nike to enter the scene, and the subsequent successes speak for themselves. Moreover, Giannis revealed that the adidas representative was eventually dismissed from the brand a couple of years later.

Watch the video clip for the full story from the Antetokounmpo brothers.

  1. Sneakers Top Trends

    Official Release Date for the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    The Boston Celtics’ season is unfolding just as they had envisioned, with only one loss to report and a striking 30 points per game average from their star player, Jayson Tatum.

    After a more eventful off-season than what championship teams typically endure, Tatum and his Boston teammates have skillfully tuned out distractions, staying focused on their goal of repeating their success early in the season. In line with this theme, the upcoming #0 Jordan Tatum 3 is about to launch a “Zen” colorway that embodies this same sense of tranquility.

    The motif of serenity has been a consistent element in Jayson Tatum’s sneaker line, especially highlighted by the “Vortex” version of the Tatum 2, which explicitly connects to this theme: our previous coverage noted that the design reflects Tatum’s calm demeanor, reminiscent of the peacefulness found in a vortex above water.

    While this new model opts for a more subdued color palette, its execution remains true to that original concept; the graceful cut-outs in the upper design resemble calm waters, serving as a guiding inspiration throughout Tatum’s signature collection.

    As mentioned earlier, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” is set to launch on November 14th via Nike.com, available in sizes for the whole family. The adult versions will be priced at $125.

    For a closer look at this appealing colorway, check out the official images below, and make sure to keep an eye on our Sneakers page for updates.


    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    SKU: FZ6598-001

    RETAIL PRICE: $125

    RELEASE DATE: Nov 14, 2024

    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” (Images via: Nike)

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  2. Sneakers Top Trends

    Jason Kelce’s Field Goal Attempt In Timberlands Will End In A $100,000 Donation

    This Saturday, November 2nd, Jason Kelce will take on a field goal challenge while wearing Wheat Timbs during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast of the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup. The idea for this challenge originated when college student Daniel Villasenor successfully kicked a field goal in Vans checkerboard slip-ons, winning an impressive $100,000 earlier in October.

    Initially discussed on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast with special guest Pat McAfee, this lighthearted challenge quickly evolved into a real event. The NFL legend, Jason Kelce, is set to attempt scoring three points while donning the famous Wheat Timberlands.

    In an exciting twist, VF Corp — the parent company of both Vans and Timberland — has stepped in with a generous $100,000 commitment to the charity Soles4Souls, aimed at supporting hurricane relief efforts. Fortunately for Jason, VF Corp has assured that the funds will be donated regardless of whether his kick is successful or not.

    Make sure to tune in to ESPN College GameDay on November 2nd, 2024, to witness this unique field goal attempt for yourself!

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  3. Sneakers Top Trends

    Notre and Vans Collaborate For the Rowley XLT “Linen”

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    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    The highly anticipated Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” is set to drop on November 15, 2024, exclusively at Notre and its flagship location.

    Be sure to check HQZ’s Sneakers page to stay updated on the latest happenings and drops in the sneaker world.


    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Colorway: Linen/Silver
    Style #: VN000D1GDPB1
    Release Date: November 15, 2024
    Price: $165

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” VN000D1GDPB1 (Images via: @oscar_castillo/Instagram)

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