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Kevin Durant gives unexpected nod to IShowSpeed’s impact on the culture

It turns out IShowSpeed has earned both a fan and a friend in Kevin Durant.

The connection between the two started when Durant teamed up with Speed for his Speed Goes Pro series. They played a 2-on-2 basketball game and even took on some skill tests together.

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But what really stood out was Durant calling Speed an “athlete” during a recent interview. That’s high praise coming from a two-time NBA champion.

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In a genuinely supportive moment after the Washington Wizards game, the veteran forward spoke highly of the 20-year-old creator’s physical talent and his cultural influence.

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“Speed is just an athlete… he can do it all!” Kevin Durant said.

Durant didn’t stop there. He acknowledged the grind that comes with being a content creator in today’s digital landscape.

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“Streamers and guys creating content every day, that’s a tough, tough job to do. I’ve really got respect for what Speed brings to the culture, and that was fun. I want to try and get him out to a Rockets game for sure,” the Houston Rockets star added.

"Speed is just an athlete… He can do it all… Streamers and guys who create content every day… That's a tough, tough job to do. I really got respect for what Speed brings to the culture."

— Kevin Durant 🙌

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/P9tsVcjqaf

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 13, 2025

Durant’s respect for Speed’s athletic ability grew even more after the streamer broke Devin Carter’s 3/4 NBA sprint record of 2.87 seconds. Speed stunned both fans and pros by finishing the run in a blazing 2.80 seconds, officially etching his name into the record books.

IShowSpeed during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

And Durant’s reaction isn’t unique here. Speed has crossed paths with several sports stars already. He’s raced Noah Lyles, picked up football pointers from Tom Brady, and even met one of the greatest athletes and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s stepped into the WWE ring too, far outside his usual lane, yet still proving how adaptable he really is.

Where Speed goes next remains unclear. But his following only keeps growing across the sports world, one unlikely collaboration at a time.

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