New Kevin Durant meme, explained: Suns star goes viral in water slide photo after Olympic gold medal run

Gilbert McGregor

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New Kevin Durant meme, explained: Suns star goes viral in water slide photo after Olympic gold medal run image

The 2024 NBA offseason has been kind to Suns superstar Kevin Durant.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Durant became USA Basketball's all-time leading scorer and added a fourth Olympic gold medal. Afterward, Durant extended his stay in France and made the most of it, acquiring a stake in soccer powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain before making his way to Saint-Tropez.

On a yacht with Suns teammate Devin Booker, Durant quickly became the center of internet discussion after cameras captured the extent of their fun in the sun.

Here's the story of the newest internet meme that features the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

MORE: Making the case for LeBron and KD as the USA Basketball Olympic GOAT

New Kevin Durant meme, explained

On Aug. 12, French tabloid Deuxmoi shared four photos of Durant and Booker on a yacht in Saint-Tropez. In the photos, the duo seem very relaxed, but the one that caught the internet's attention captures Durant on a waterslide.

Regardless of where you stand on the debate around Durant's actual height, it's not every day that you see someone 6-10 on a waterslide. And Durant seems to be connecting with his inner child, sliding down with his hands raised as you see many do at waterparks.

Durant's decision to slide with his arms raised — and his facial expression — has resulted in plenty of memes across X (formerly Twitter).

Durant, who is relatable in many ways, is also no stranger to communicating with fans — and detractors — on social media. With that in mind, there is a high likelihood that he is already aware of the memes.

Knowing Durant, he'll either respond or even meme himself. If that's the case, the meme could have life throughout the upcoming season, or at least until the next NBA superstar has another moment that's meme–able.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.