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Kevin Durant, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a key figure in the Nike Basketball lineup, has been notably absent from Nike’s latest “Winning Isn’t For Everyone” campaign, released ahead of the 2024 Olympics. This omission has sparked widespread speculation and conversation, especially considering Durant’s longstanding relationship with the brand and his significant contributions to Team USA’s basketball success.
Durant publicly commented on Instagram stories pointing out that he had been with the brand “every step of the way.” Despite his absence from the campaign, Nike is still set to release the KD 17 “USA” sneakers, which lights with the Olympic theme, indicating that Durant’s influence and marketability remain strong within the brand’s product lines.
The exclusion from the campaign has led to debates about Nike’s marketing strategies and the recognition of athletes who have consistently excelled on the international stage. Many believe that Durant’s legacy and achievements warranted his inclusion, and his fans have voiced their support for the athlete across various platforms.
The situation also received some public comments, albeit indirect, from Kevin Durant’s long-time agent and partner Rich Kleiman sharing a photo of KD in a photoshoot for the KITH x USA Basketball capsule with the caption “It is so nice to be seen.”
As the Olympics approach, it will be interesting to see how this situation evolves and whether Durant will address the omission more directly.
For now, the sneaker community and basketball fans alike continue to rally behind Durant, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the sport and his enduring partnership with Nike.
