Durant may never match Bron’s legacy, but he’s not far behind with his on-or-off the court endeavors.
Apple is bolstering its selection of original programming with a series from Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant titled Swagger.
Boom.#Repost @rashadbilal with @get_repost
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Apple just greenlit a Drama from Kevin Durant called “Swagger” the series will be based on his experiences playing youth basketball in Prince George County, Maryland.The deal is part of Apple’s plan t… https://t.co/n3MfpwBLaD pic.twitter.com/QpgUyrvW1o
— Rebecca Peters (@Beck_41) December 5, 2018
Durant’s project is inspired by his formative years in hoops and will explore the lives of the players, coaches, and families of the world of Amateur Athletic Union basketball, and the challenges and corruption they tackle as they attempt to achieve their dreams.
Kevin Durant has been in the shadow of LeBron James for most of his career, despite besting James in the last two NBA Championship Finals. James is considered the premier player and his entrepreneurial efforts, which include opening His I Promise School and various film and entertainment endeavors with major networks and digital platforms has enhanced his “King” status.
Durant didn’t open a school, but he did donate $10 million in a partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools and College Track, an after-school program that helps disadvantaged kids get into college. He’s constantly opening his wallet and supporting his community. It hasn’t gone unrecognized.
Pregame Kevin Durant received the Alvin Attles Community Impact Award.
The @warriors Community Foundation will donate $15,000 to a charity of his choice. #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/yQjq7T8fsp
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2018
Durant may always be chasing Bron’s legacy but he’s not far behind with his on-or-off the court endeavors.
LeBron’s various projects attempt to take control of the narrative and focus on sports, race, culture and the health of our nation as it relates to the Black experience.
Drake will be featured on HBO’s The Shop this Friday alongside @KingJames pic.twitter.com/U1MQ4iTETh
— Word On Road (@WordOnRd) October 9, 2018
Exposing the corruption of exploitative athletic institutions is also a recurring theme for James and KD has followed suit with his film about the corrupt AAU circuit.
Reggie Rock Bythewood penned the series and will serve as showrunner.
Via EW, “Swagger is being produced by Brian Grazer and his Imagine Television Studios in partnership with CBS Television Studios, and Durant will hold an executive producer position. No details have been revealed about the cast or when the series might debut.
Apple has kept tight-lipped about when it will launch its original slate, though it’s expected in the coming year, and how it will distribute the series and films it has ordered, most likely through a streaming platform.”
Durant has hitched his entrepreneurial wagon to a cutting-edge endeavor with one of the largest corporations in the world. Apple has also signed Oprah Winfrey for a multiyear partnership and teamed with film production company A24 to produce a slate of movies.
In the meantime, LeBron has a biopic coming out with Universal. So the grind don’t stop.
Chris Robinson has been set to direct an untitled film about the formative years in the life of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James https://t.co/55lBhE3kur
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) November 30, 2018
Durant might have a little less star cache and charisma than LeBron, but he’s studied James’ blueprint; from Bron’s team-stacking free agency decisions to winning multiple championships, to becoming a business maverick. These titans continue to dismiss the myth that Black athletes can’t create sustainable business empires built on a socially conscious foundation that will impact the world on a deeper level than sports.
