Summer Is Serious

The NBA Draft was my Super Bowl, and not because it could alter the destiny of multiple teams in a matter of seconds. I geared up for it months in advance so I could fully appreciate that night’s storylines, characters, and key dramatic moments.

Watching them play out in a telecast that split the difference between poorly-produced reality tv and CNBC reruns was the highlight of my year. Also, the suits.

That’s why, in the break after the first pick in 2013, ESPN ran a Kevin Durant spot set in a local rec center, wherein our hero taunts a 5’10” rival wearing a tie with a tank top, with Jay Bilas dropping knowledge that proved he was always in on the joke.

SUMMER IS SERIOUS

NIKE, 2013

Kevin Durant was sick of coming in second. He knew he could be #1, and played with a chip on his shoulder because of it.

With KD’s blessings, we made a spot that made light of this predicament, with our hero of course coming out on top.

The film was the jumping-off point for an expansive campaign celebrating summer basketball. We made custom basketball cards for hoopers discovered on social, held a draft for them, and staged a grand finale two-team showdown in NYC.