Derrick Rose: Supermodel

Paul Lukas of the Uni Watch blog writes:

“Most NBA players these days wear a compression tank top under their jersey. So why not just skip the jersey and wear the compression undergarment function as the uniform top? That’s an idea that the NBA has decided to test-drive in the upcoming all-star game. The league will announce today that all players in that game will have the option of wearing skin-tight compression tanks instead of the standard Adidas jerseys. It isn’t yet clear how many people will take the league up on this offer.”

Want more information on the optional unis? Here you go:

“The NBA All-Star uniforms are inspired by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and, for the first time ever, NBA All-Stars have the option to wear an adidas TECHFIT PowerWeb compression jersey or NBA Revolution 30 jerseys.The new NBA All-Star TECHFIT jersey features strategically placed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) powerbands that align core muscles and boost power to key muscle groups for more efficient movement that increases acceleration and endurance. The compression fits improves movement by preventing opposing players from grabbing loose jersey fabric and slowing them down.”

Rumor has it, the jerseys will also give the wearer the strength of 10 men and the power of flight. Oh, and they’ll never have to floss their teeth again. Amazing!

Anyway, what does this have to do with Rose?

As Eric Freeman of Ball Don’t Lie writes:

“The question now is who will wear them? Derrick Rose seems like a certainty since he’s involved in the publicity photos, and Dwight Howard is also likely since he’s sponsored by adidas and generally likes everything that makes him look more like a superhero. The one major problem for adidas here is that most stars are affiliated with Nike and seem unlikely to give a rival sports apparel outfitter more press. So feel bad for Rose, Howard, and whoever else joins them, because they’re all going to look like they lost a bet.”

Here’s one of the publicity photos:

So, uhm, yeah. Derrick is in fine shape and all that. And Dwight Howard is nicknamed Superman for a reason. That said, I’m not sold on seeing NBA players in this level of detail. Basketball is already the most “naked” of our professional sports. All these guys wear are tank tops and shorts. This new jersey is like dressing them in a colorful tattoo. Personally, I prefer a little more mystery. I do have a high definition television, after all.

For what it’s worth, the debut of these jerseys will coincide with the debut of Derrick’s new shoe:

“NBA All-Stars and East squad starters Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose will debut a second version of their adidas signature shoes during the NBA All-Star Game. Howard will sport the Super Beast, while first-time starter Derrick Rose will debut the adiZero Rose 1.5. Other adidas athletes will wear the adiPure or Crazy 8 basketball shoes during NBA All-Star. The second version of Derrick Rose’s signature shoe, the adiZero Rose 1.5 is lighter and more supportive than its predecessor because of a new formulation of SPRINTSKIN, which is directionally engineered to provide optimum reinforcement, superior breathability and increased durability. adiZero Rose 1.5’s three-paneled SPRINTSKIN zones represent each of Derrick’s brothers (Reggie, Allan, and Dwayne) who helped support him through his journey to the NBA. Rose will begin the All-Star Game in a yellow colorway of the adiZero Rose 1, and debut the adiZero Rose 1.5 in the second half.”

I swear to you, adidas did not pay me to write this post.