APRIL 23, 2024
Top image: ESPN NBA commercial – “The NBA playoffs: Where superstars become legends.”
In the realm of sports marketing, the creation of a memorable commercial is a lot like crafting a fine timepiece—every component must synchronize perfectly.
This year, ESPN has achieved just that with its latest NBA playoffs commercial, titled “The NBA playoffs: Where superstars become legends.” This multi-generational mashup features current NBA superstars and past NBA legends, intertwining the history of basketball with the thrill of today’s game.
Mixed with the perfect soundtrack (“Everyday Hustle” from Future and Metro Boomin’s latest album “WE DON’T TRUST YOU” – Rick Ross is also featured in the main track), this commercial is sure to give goosebumps to fans all over the world.
As noted by Sporting News, the duos featured in the commercial are (in order of when they appear):
- Jayson Tatum and Bill Russell, Celtics
- LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Lakers
- Nikola Jokic and Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
- Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
- Bam Adebayo and Dwyane Wade, Heat
- Anthony Edwards and Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bucks
- Kawhi Leonard and Blake Griffin, Clippers
- Patrick Ewing and Jalen Brunson, Knicks
- Zion Williamson and Chris Paul, Hornets
- Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid, 76ers
- Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (this was the only real footage of a duo while they were actually playing together)
- LeBron James and Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
- Shaquille O’Neal and Paolo Banchero, Magic
- Charles Barkley and Devin Booker, Suns
- Reggie Miller and Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers
With this piece ESPN is setting the bar for how sports stories are told.
