IShowSpeed, the unconventional content creator and YouTube star, has built his massive following by consistently bridging the gap between digital content and real-world celebrity spectacle. More recently, he has received attention for interacting with various NBA stars throughout his recent tour of the US, with both candid moments and fun competition.

More recently, Speed took over San Francisco by storm this week, creating a viral frenzy after rocking a Stephen Curry jersey and driving through the city atop a bus. His cameras were rolling to record the spectacle, and he instantly drew cheers from a massive crowd. “The Bay hella lit, bro,” he told the camera in a clip that rapidly went viral, showcasing his ability to electrify an audience with small gestures.

Speed has helped bridge the gap between the general public and NBA stars by interacting with many of them in the past, showing personal sides to these athletes that many of us never get a chance to see. In fact, this isn’t the only time this week that Speed has had an NBA-related interaction.

During his visit to Portland, he linked up with Trailblazers star Damian Lillard, who is currently rehabbing an Achilles injury suffered last year. During a workout, Speed asked him directly, “When you back?” to which Lillard responded candidly, “S—, probably the start of next season. That Achilles, you can’t f— around with that. I just got to get all the way right.” Lillard has echoed this sentiment throughout this season. This showcased that Speed’s engagement is strong, even with athletes, when he joins them in personal settings.

Beyond the Bay Area jersey stunt and workout with Dame, he has continued to generate viral moments through interactions with other NBA players, and showcases how content creators have become integral figures in sports fandom, influencing engagement and perception, even direct interactions with players.

Who is IShowSpeed?

Darren Watkins Jr., now known as IShowSpeed, has risen to fame through video game streams which highlighted his comedic and animated personality. Speed has amassed millions of followers, and has become a household name in online gaming and content circles.

Speed has also grown his NBA connections through several high-profile interactions. Through Logan Paul, Speed met  and played a game of H.O.R.S.E against Kevin Durant, where he was soundly beaten, and was subsequently roasted by the Rockets star. Earlier in the offseason, he toured Greece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, who took him to landmarks around the place where he grew up, even taking Speed to the outdoor court where he dunked for the first time at age 14. Speed proceeded to throw down a dunk at the rim, making Giannis state that he was destined for greatness. They even shared a meal together, where Speed was told by Giannis to not ‘bark’ (something Speed does for humorous effect) in front of Michael Jordan, who Giannis promised to arrange a meeting with.

During his tour of America, Speed ran into Jaylen Brown in Boston, touring the city, reenacting the Boston Tea Party on a ship, after which Brown challenged Speed to a footrace, telling him to remove “Speed” from his name if he lost. Unfortunately, during the race, Speed appeared to pull his hamstring, causing Brown to send wishes to him over social media. He also met Paul George in Philadelphia, where he had an awkward interaction, asking PG why he was in Philly, causing George to tell him he plays for the Sixers.