Derrick Rose wore retro adidas sneakers in New York Knicks colors.

There are few players in the NBA that garner as much respect as Derrick Rose. The 34-year-old is one of the league’s oldest players and the most-tenured signature athlete on the adidas roster.

But with age comes wisdom. On Thursday afternoon, the former MVP wore the adidas Rivalry Low in the ‘Knicks’ colorway. Rose’s kicks were a not-so-subtle hint at the rivalry between his New York Knicks and the Miami Heat.

Throughout this hard-fought playoff series, much has been made about the shared history between the two organizations. Of course, that history is not lost on Rose, who wanted to represent his team colors even on the flight to Florida.

Derrick Rose before the team flight.

adidas Basketball

Rose’s debut of the new Rivalry shoe ahead of Game 6 is a timely nod to one of the fiercest in the history of the NBA. Down 3-2 series, New York must pick up a road win tonight to stave off elimination.

Born two years before Rose, the adidas Rivalry was originally worn by Patrick Ewing in 1986. The Knicks legendary big man helped make the iconic shoe one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the sport.

While Knicks fans anxiously await the release of this blue and orange colorway, they can choose between several versions of the shoe for $100 on the adidas website. In fact, we recommend doing some online shopping to help ease the tension leading up to tonight’s Game 6.

Even though Rose’s playing time has been limited in the playoffs, he remains a leader in the locker room and the league. As always, all eyes will be on his feet when the Knicks take the floor against the Heat tonight.