Basketball is undergoing a renaissance, a return to distinct personalities and vibrant style that mixes skill with originality. Of course performance still matters, but in this bold era an athlete’s on-court triumphs must seamlessly blend with his or her off-court interests. Each member of Nike Basketball’s family of athletes embraces this singular creative and competitive spirit, pushing the game to new places and proving that, when it comes to game-time dominance, there is no prescription.
In celebration of this distinction, the “Bring Your Game” campaign kicks off with a new film exploring the unique ways seven of Nike Basketball’s finest athletes — Kobe Bryant, Elena Delle Donne, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James — prepare for success on the hardwood.
From fishing to philosophy, the film’s vignettes might be comic, but each is rooted in the realities of its respective player. Here, Nike reveals the backstory behind the narratives.
1. For much of his career, Kobe Bryant has anchored his day with 10 to 15 minutes of morning meditation.
2. The cerebral player also famously travels from his home to his team’s downtown LA arena in a helicopter.
3. Elena Delle Donne’s new hometown, Chicago, has enthusiastically embraced the league MVP. In turn, the Delaware native has gotten comfortable in the Windy City, going as far as naming her Great Dane Wrigley, after the city’s famous baseball park.
4. Anthony Davis sprouted seven inches in a single high school year, evolving from a 6’3” guard to a 6’10” post player while retaining his shooting touch. As a result, Davis has blossomed into one of the league’s most versatile scorers and forecasts a future of hybrid basketball players.
5. On court, Kevin Durant is a ruthless scorer. Off of it, he’s busy giving back to communities in Oklahoma City and his hometown: Seat Pleasant, Maryland.
6. Although Durant stands at 6’9,” he has the wingspan of a 7’4” player, which helps him “posterize” opponents.
7. George’s love of fishing developed in childhood and has progressed into something of a second sporting career — he’s competed in fishing tournaments and won a few trophies. It also remains the two-time All Star’s preferred method of relaxation.
8. Three-time All-Star Kyrie Irving takes his dribbling so seriously that he used to wrap balls in plastic bags to manufacture an unpredictable bounce. The dedication paid off: Constant practice has delivered Irving a dazzling set of skills that regularly mesmerizes defenders and fans.
9. In the summer of 2014, LeBron James cutout carbs, dairy and sugar for 67 days. The not-quite-paleo diet did, however, include a great deal of super foods (like kale).
10. James’ reputed photographic memory makes him a formidable opponent both on court and in the virtual world — his childhood friends recall finding it impossible to beat him in video-game play.
