?Gotta Be a Joke?: 20YO Jabari Smith Jr Enraged at ?Disrespectful? James Harden Adidas Shoes

James Harden and Adidas go way back to 2016 when the Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard launched his signature shoe collection with Adidas in November 2016 with the release of the Harden Vol. 1. Since then, a new collection has been released every year, each of which represents his personality and style. The unique and eye-catching designs are loved by fans all over.?

But it looks like not everyone is a fan though. At least if you go by Jabari Smith Jr.?s recent update. What could be the reason for the Rockets forward?s displeasure??

Smith feels disrespected?

It is usual for companies to send out PR packages to celebrities. Adidas sent out a custom design to Jabari and he is not happy with it. He took to his Instagram story and said, ?Adidas, y?all did wrong for sending me this. I won?t ever put these in my feet, a day in my life? This is just kinda disrespectful man. I think y’all just joking. This is gotta be a joke.?

The reason why the 20-year-old is upset is because of the color of the shoes as they seem to represent those of a rival school. In 2020, Jabari Jr. played college basketball with Auburn University where he was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year and a second-team All-American. He averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in his lone collegiate season.?

Later in 2022, he joined the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA draft as the third overall pick. But it seems like he is still attached to his school and would never wear the colors of his rival.?

Then again, it seems like it was all his own doing. Langston Morris-Walker, Global Basketball Sports Marketing – NBA/NIL at Adidas replied to his story. He added context to the situation by saying that Smith Jr. had asked for ?evey pair evey color.??And it was seen in Jabari?s story where he has a huge stack of the entire collection in almost every color.

Read More?: 5 Months Before His NBA Summer League Fame, Jabari Smith Jr. Revealed an Unraveling Truth to 18 Years Older Lebron James

Now it does look like Jabari should have been more specific.?

The new season with Houston?

Smith has had a mixed rookie season so far, averaging 11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. While he has shown immense potential, it looks like he is still learning and adjusting to the level of competition. The regular season provides him with an opportunity to show more of his sportsmanship.

How well will he fare? We can all witness it as Houston takes on Orlando Magic on 25th October.

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