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Yesterday, John Wall made waves when he was spotted wearing adidas in a photo taken at a Washington Wizards practice. This was a big deal since he was Reebok’s marquee player endorser with his own line of signature kicks. Later in the day, the promising point guard announced that he inked a deal with the three stripes.

“I’m blessed to take the next step in my career with @adidasHoops #teamadidas !!,” he tweeted, confirming his new shoe deal.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with Reebok and I’m grateful for everything we accomplished the last few years,” said Wall in his official press statement. “Now, I’m excited to return to the court soon and begin my new partnership with adidas. They’ve changed the game with new technology and style and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Reebok also comment on Wall (sort of) jumping ship. “John is a tremendous player and person, and has been a great representative of the Reebok brand,” said Todd Krinsky, Head of Reebok Classics and Basketball, in a press statement. “We wish him all the best. He is in good hands with adidas. Basketball remains an important category for Reebok. We have a long and very successful heritage in the sport, which provides us with a unique point of view and place in the category. In the near future, we will announce new basketball assets, to join our current roster, who we feel best represent the direction our style-driven performance basketball business. We’re looking at athletes who are unique in their approach to style, their game and their life in general.”

Wall signed a deal with Reebok that was reportedly worth $25 million over five years after getting drafted number one overall in 2010. However, Wall’s move is technically a lateral one since Reebok has been owned by adidas since 2005. Reebok has had success with recent retros of Allen Iverson’s signature sneakers but with Wall’s departure,  the brand currently lacks a high caliber, superstar NBA player on their endorsement roster.

Wall was sporting adidas Top Tens in practice (see photo on next page) and we’ll get to see what he rocks on the court if he gets his way and plays on Saturday, January 12, against the Atlanta Hawks. It will be his first game of the season because a stress injury to his left knee. The Wizards are a league worst 5-28, so yeah, they need Wall back, stat.

Photo: Michael Lee

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