From Nike:
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.
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.
About “Bring Your Game”
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, the “Bring Your Game” film was created by Nike Basketball with Wieden+Kennedy. The official trailer debuted last week in more than 3,000 U.S. theaters. Stay tuned over the next week for more “Bring Your Game” content.
no offense, but elena really doesn’t come close to them. I really did not know who she was until I watched this