James Harden landed in China for the Adidas 2025 UNO Tour and was immediately surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the NBA star. Minutes after stepping out of his vehicle and entering his hotel, Harden was greeted by a large group of admirers, marking the start of a highly anticipated promotional event. The James Harden China Adidas Tour highlights the growing global influence of NBA players beyond basketball courts, blending sport, culture, and marketing.
As one of the Los Angeles Clippers’ key figures, Harden’s arrival caused a stir, with cameras flashing and countless supporters filling the area. Videos circulating on social media captured the overwhelming scene, showcasing hundreds of fans swarming the hotel in excitement. This is a testament to Harden’s significant popularity in China and the widespread enthusiasm for both basketball and his Adidas partnership.
Historic Ties Between Harden and Chinese Fans
James Harden’s relationship with China stretches back several years, developing gradually into a strong cultural and commercial connection. Beyond being an NBA star, Harden is a respected figure in China due to his involvement in business ventures and his collaboration with Adidas, which has elevated his status through a popular signature shoe line. This partnership not only promotes sportswear but also reflects broader cultural exchanges between Harden and his Chinese audience.
Despite the strong fanbase, Harden’s journey in China has not been without controversy. During his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, he faced tensions following a 2019 tweet by ex-Rockets GM Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protests, which angered many Chinese fans. Harden responded swiftly, offering an apology and expressing his love for the country to maintain his positive connection with Chinese fans.
“We apologise. You know, we love China,” he told reporters.
—James Harden, NBA Player
Early Leak of Harden’s New Adidas ‘Vol. 10’ Shoe Creates Buzz
James Harden has maintained a strong brand presence with Adidas since signing a 13-year, $200 million contract in 2015, which may eventually evolve into a lifetime deal. He has become the face of Adidas’ basketball footwear line, with his signature shoes gaining both popularity and style recognition worldwide.
In China, Harden’s current focus has been promoting the upcoming release of the Harden Vol. 10 shoes, part of his ongoing collaboration with Adidas. However, the excitement grew unexpectedly when images of the new sneakers leaked on social media platform X prior to any official announcements. Although neither Harden nor Adidas have officially confirmed the leaked designs, the visuals align with recent Adidas trends similar to the Anthony Edwards signature footwear style.
James Harden’s Legacy as One of the NBA’s Greatest Shooting Guards
Though James Harden has not yet secured an NBA championship ring, his impact on the sport remains undisputed. Recognized for his ability to score prolifically and facilitate offense, he was instrumental in helping Joel Embiid win the MVP award during the 2022–2023 season, leading the league in assists at an impressive 10.7 per game.
Reflecting Harden’s stature, sports media outlet HoopsHype recently ranked him fifth among the top 20 shooting guards of all time. The platform highlighted his “unreal scoring ability and playmaking,” pointing to his signature crossover and stepback jump shots as elements that make him nearly unstoppable. Despite this, they noted that winning a championship, particularly with the Clippers, appears increasingly unlikely.
“James Harden has a Hall-of-Fame resume thanks to his unreal scoring ability and playmaking. His crossover and stepback jumper made him impossible to slow down, as did his strong shoulder on drives to the rim. He still has a chance to add to his legacy over the coming years, though winning a championship ring in L.A. feels like a really long shot by now.”
—HoopsHype
Throughout his career, Harden led the Houston Rockets to two Western Conference finals but was unable to overcome the Golden State Warriors in those matchups. He later had opportunities with the Philadelphia 76ers and now the Los Angeles Clippers, yet the elusive NBA title remains out of reach as his current team recently bowed out in the first playoff round.
The Broader Significance of Harden’s China Tour and Future Prospects
The James Harden China Adidas Tour underscores how NBA players are evolving into global brands that extend beyond athletic competition. Harden’s ability to attract vast crowds in China highlights the increasing importance of international markets for professional athletes and their endorsement partners. This event not only promotes Harden’s latest sneaker release but also strengthens cultural bonds through sports and business.
Looking ahead, Harden’s collaboration with Adidas could deepen if he secures a lifetime contract, while his ongoing presence in China may pave the way for more extensive fan engagement and commercial success. As Harden continues to pursue an NBA championship, his expanding influence off the court positions him as a prominent figure in both basketball and international marketing landscapes.