The Golden State Warriors lured Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant away from the Thunder by offering him a realistic shot at winning an NBA championship, and the chance to have fun doing it. But it was virtual reality that apparently payed a part in convincing Durant to jump teams.
USA Today reports that during a meeting with his suitors that lasted more than two hours, Durant got a glimpse of his new home through a NextVR production. After eight seasons in Oklahoma City, the technological wizardry seemed to do the trick.
There were shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, USA Today says, and footage from the Warriors practice facility. Warriors coach Steve Kerr was shown talking to his team inside the Oracle Arena locker room and Durant got a courtside view inside the building. A song in the production by Drake and Future — reported to be a favorite in Warriors’ circles — proved to complement things perfectly:
“I got a really big team, and they need some really big rings. Man, what a time to be alive … Oh you switchin’ sides? Wanna come with me?”
NextVR chairman Brad Allen will be a featured speaker at the GeekWire Sports Tech Summit next week in Seattle. He will speak on virtual reality in sports — and perhaps on what went into getting Durant (a onetime Sonic) out of OKC.
