Kevin Durant on rising popularity: 'Just being myself;' Nike deal expires this week
LeBron James may have recently been voted the most popular male athlete in America (no word on who won "best hair" or the "most likely" categories), but that doesn't necessarily mean he's the league's most likable player.
If that sounds contradictory, it's because different measures are at play. Believe it or not, though, James is topped by one Kevin Durant when it comes to Q Score, which is a measure of familiarity and appeal. A report from the Oklahoman in February showed Durant had edged James in this measure, and ESPN confirmed on Wednesday that Durant remains atop the NBA.
Again, Durant is the league's "most-liked" player, not James.
His touching MVP speech already had advertisers flocking, but that's just fortunate fallout from a genuine moment, as Durant explained to ESPN:
I didn't do that to be marketable, to be looked at as one of the more marketable guys. Was just being myself, and, if people like (me) for me being myself, then I'm cool with it. I'm not trying to be nobody else or act a different way. I'm still a work in progress just like everybody else so I'm just going to continue to keep being who I am, and I enjoy all the partners that partner with me. I just try to do my best to represent them and do everything in authentic ways.
Those are actually pretty good words to keep in mind in life - if people like you for being you, great, and if not just be who you are anyway. Forget what the Lil B's of the world think of you.
Durant's rising popularity could have immense financial implications in short order, as Durant's deal with Nike is set to expire this week and "Under Armour...is preparing a robust offer," according to ESPN.
For his part, Durant sounds like he's open to staying with Nike. This will mark his first major deal under Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports, and you can bet they'll want to make a splash with their highest profile client.
"Nike has been a part of me ever since I was in high school," Durant said. "I'm just going to let my team be the ones who handle that behind the scenes, I guess."