​Like any parent, Gilbert Arenas doesn’t miss a chance to tease his son. During an episode of Gil’s Arena, when Alijah Arenas listed James Harden, LeBron James, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his top NBA players, Gilbert playfully quipped, “He’s a Harden sexual,” poking fun at his son’s admiration for Harden’s game. ​But now, the father might be proud of his son’s choices. ‘Anybody who has not walked a mile in my shoes has no right to comment.’

This isn’t just a case of a son following in his father’s footsteps; Alijah is forging his own identity while simultaneously creating a poignant echo of Gilbert’s past. Alijah has taken ‘walking in my shoe’ to a different level as he laces up with the same brand that once defined his father’s dynamic presence in the league. While most teenagers are still figuring out their next steps, the son of the three-time NBA All-Star recently informed TMZ Sports that he is going to sign a contract with Adidas, a $39.7 billion company!

​Like the man himself, Agent Zero’s path with Adidas is unorthodox and audacious. Gilbert, who is renowned for his courageous play and off-court charisma, partnered with Adidas in the early 2000s, starting a collaboration that would make him one of the company’s most well-known faces. Arenas described how he struck a profitable contract with Adidas in a candid interview. He was first given a five-year, $15 million contract, but he used his growing stardom and All-Star status to negotiate a five-year, $40 million deal. In retrospect, he remarked, “I’m an idiot… but it worked.” 

The release of his signature shoe, the Adidas Gil Zero, highlighted his partnership with Adidas. However, in January 2010, this successful partnership abruptly ended. A widely reported incident in December 2009, in which Arenas carried guns into the locker room of the Washington Wizards after a fight with teammate Javaris Crittenton, served as the impetus. Adidas quickly ended its endorsement agreement with Arenas in the wake of these incidents, removing itself from the dispute.

Arenas’ influence in the sneaker community persists in spite of this loss. Furthermore, the story completes a circle when his son, Alijah, starts his own Adidas adventure, marking a new phase in the Arenas family’s connection to the company.

The rise of Alijah Arenas: From High School star to Adidas athlete

Over his high school career, the 6’6″ shooting guard from Chatsworth High School has averaged 30.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game this season. Alijah, who was named a McDonald’s All-American this year, reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class a few months ago. As a result, he will be attending college later this year and will be eligible to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.

In the recent past, he also shared that he was going to play his collegiate ball at a prestigious Southern California university. They were the heavyweights Alijah picked over Arizona, Kansas, Louisville, and Kentucky.

Reportedly, he is also considering signing with Klutch Sports, the agency founded by Rich Paul and closely associated with LeBron James. Prominent sportsmen like NBA players Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and Zach LaVine, as well as NFL players Jalen Hurts and Myles Garrett, are represented by Klutch Sports.  The close bond between Alijah’s father and LeBron James is another indication of his possible affiliation with Klutch Sports. Gilbert has been active in LeBron’s and his son Bronny James’ basketball development and has openly backed them.

The Adidas’ tagline, “You Got This”, is a perfect push for Alijah’s forthcoming career and athlete branding. This collaboration is a proactive step that capitalizes on his increasing marketability and impact rather than merely paying homage to the past.