Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts

Sunday, April 16, 2023

New LeBron James Biography: LeBron by Jeff Benedict

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dynasty and Tiger Woods comes the definitive biography of basketball superstar LeBron James, based on three years of exhaustive research and more than 250 interviews.

LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of the twenty-first century, and he’s in the conversation with Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time. The reigning king of the game and the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, LeBron wears the crown like he was born with it. Yet his ascent has been anything but effortless and predetermined— the truth is vastly more interesting than that.

What makes LeBron’s story so compelling is how he won his destiny despite overwhelmingly long odds, in a drama worthy of a Dickens novel. As a child, he was a scared and lonely little boy living a nomadic existence in Akron, Ohio. His mother, who had LeBron when she was sixteen, would sometimes leave him on his own. Destitute and fatherless, he missed close to one hundred days of school in the fourth grade. Desperate, his mother placed him with a family that gave him stability and put a basketball in his hands.

LeBron tells the full, riveting saga of how a child adrift found the will to become a titan. Jeff Benedict, the most celebrated sports biographer of our time, paints a vivid picture of LeBron’s epic origin story, showing the gradual rise of a star who, surrounded by a tight-knit group of teenage friends and adult mentors, accelerated into a speeding comet during high school. Today LeBron produces Hollywood films and television shows, has a social media presence that includes more than one hundred million followers, engages in political activism, takes outspoken stances on racism and social injustice, and transforms lives through his visionary philanthropy. He went from a lost boy in Akron to a beloved hero who uses his fortune to educate underprivileged children and lift up needy families—and brought home Cleveland’s first NBA championship.

But LeBron is more than just the origin story of a GOAT or a recap of his multi-championship, multi-MVP, gold medal–decorated career on the court. Benedict delves into LeBron’s relationship with fame and power: how he has cultivated it, harnessed it, suffered from it, and leveraged it. In these pages, we go behind the scenes of LeBron’s grappling with his seismic celebrity, from appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a high school junior to The Decision, which briefly turned the nation against him. We also watch his evolution from a player who avoided politics and was widely criticized for not joining his teammates in protesting China’s role in the Darfur genocide to becoming an athlete who partnered with President Obama; campaigned for Hillary Clinton; became an advocate against gun violence, racism, and voter suppression; and openly clashed with President Trump, empowering other athletes to speak out against social injustice.

To capture LeBron’s extraordinary life, Benedict conducted hundreds of interviews with the people who were involved with LeBron at different stages of his life. He also obtained thousands of pages of primary source documents and mined hundreds of hours of video footage. Destined to be the authoritative account of LeBron’s life, LeBron is a gripping, inspiring, and unprecedented portrait of one of the world’s most captivating figures.

CHECK OUT LEBRON ON AMAZON

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

SWEETWATER Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for SWEETWATER, inspired by the true story of Hall of Famer Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African American to sign an NBA contract. Exclusively in theatres, April 14.

SWEETWATER stars Everett Osborne as Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, Kevin Pollak, Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven, Richard Dreyfuss, Gary Clark Jr., Jim Caviezel, and Bobby Portis.

The movie is written and directed by Martin Guigui/

Watch the trailer below:

Thursday, December 15, 2022

NBA's MVP trophy now named after Michael Jordan

The NBA MVP will now be awarded with The Michael Jordan Trophy, bearing the name of the NBA legend widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. During his illustrious career, Jordan was named MVP five times. The Hall of Famer also earned six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVP Awards, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 14 NBA All-Star selections, three NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, 10 scoring titles, an NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, an NBA Rookie of the Year Award and selections to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

Mark Smith, retired VP of Innovation Special Projects at Nike, Inc., and Jordan Brand designer, worked in creative partnership with Jordan to design the new trophy, which symbolizes an NBA player’s journey to winning an MVP. Smith has collaborated with Jordan on countless projects over the past two decades. Artist Victor Solomon will manufacture the trophy on a yearly basis.

The bronze trophy features a player breaking out of a rock to reach for the ultimate rock — a crystal basketball. From the bottom to its top, the patina of the trophy grows more burnished — “raw to refined” — signifying the MVP’s hard work and progression from entering the league to achieving the NBA’s greatest individual honor. The trophy’s reach symbolizes an MVP’s endless chase for greatness.

Additionally included throughout are subtle nods that pay tribute to the trophy’s namesake:

• The trophy stands 23.6 inches tall and weighs 23.6 pounds, representing Jordan’s jersey number (23) and number of NBA championships (6).
• Its five-sided base is a nod to Jordan’s five league MVPs.
• The namesake badge is six-sided, a nod to Jordan’s six NBA championships.
• The 15-degree angle of the base is a nod to Jordan’s 15-season career.
• The crystal basketball consists of 23 points, a nod to Jordan’s jersey number.
• The crystal basketball measures 1.23 inches in diameter, in reference to the singularity of the MVP and Jordan’s standout career.

“I’m incredibly honored to have created the NBA’s MVP trophy in partnership with Michael Jordan,” said Smith. “Sculpting Michael’s vision of his own pursuit of athletic achievement into this award has been the opportunity and challenge of a lifetime. As we worked together on this project, it was very important to Michael that the figure not be a likeness of him, but instead that the recipient should be able to see himself in the award. For Michael, naming the award in his honor was recognition enough.”

Thursday, December 08, 2022

NBA Player's Association statement on Brittney Griner's release

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)ed the following statement on the release of WNBA star, Brittney Griner:

We are overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that our sister Brittney Griner is finally coming home. Her strength and courage throughout this last year have been truly remarkable, as have the efforts of her wife Cherelle, our WNBPA sisters, Terri Jackson and the WNBPA staff, who have been relentless in their call to bring Brittney home. We know this homecoming would not have been possible without their unwavering support and continued work to keep BG always top of mind, and our players are honored to have contributed to those efforts. While this is a celebratory moment for our sisters and us, we must not forget the other political prisoners who remain in dire circumstances all over the world. These individuals must be remembered and fought for every single day as BG was so that they too can have this moment.

Welcome home Brittney, we are so happy to have you back! #WeAreBG"

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today that they will honor the life and legacy of 11-time NBA champion and civil rights pioneer Bill Russell by permanently retiring his uniform number, 6, throughout the league. The iconic Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer will be the first player to have his number retired across the NBA.

“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”

“This is a momentous honor reserved for one of the greatest champions to ever play the game,” said NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio. “Bill’s actions on and off the court throughout the course of his life helped to shape generations of players for the better and for that, we are forever grateful. We are proud to continue the celebration of his life and legacy alongside the league.”

In addition to retiring Russell’s number, the NBA will pay tribute to the Boston Celtics’ legend throughout the 2022-23 season. All NBA players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys, and every NBA court will display a clover-shaped logo with the No. 6 on the sideline near the scorer’s table. The Celtics, for whom Russell played his entire career and coached, will have a separate and unique recognition for him on their uniforms, to be announced soon.

Russell’s jersey number, which he wore for his entire 13-season career from 1956-69, will not be issued again by any NBA team to any player. Players who currently wear No. 6 will be grandfathered.

Regarded as the ultimate winner and model teammate, Russell transformed the game with his dominant defense and graceful athleticism at the center position. He won a record 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, which followed back-to-back national championships at the University of San Francisco (1955 and 1956) and a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team (1956). Russell, who led Boston to eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959-66, was so synonymous with success that the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award was named for him in 2009.

His myriad accomplishments included five NBA Most Valuable Player awards, 12 NBA All-Star selections and 11 All-NBA Team honors. Russell was named to all four NBA anniversary teams (25th, 35th, 50th and 75th) and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. A four-time NBA rebounding champion, he ranks second in league history in total rebounds (21,620) and rebounds per game (22.5) in the regular season. The Celtics retired his No. 6 jersey in 1972.

Russell’s impact on the NBA extended far beyond his playing achievements. In 1966, he was hired by the Celtics as the first Black head coach in the history of the NBA and major U.S. professional sports. As a player-head coach, he guided Boston to back-to-back NBA championships in 1968 and 1969.

During and after his extraordinary basketball career, Russell passionately advocated for the values of equality, respect and inclusion. He marched for civil rights with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and was steadfast in his belief that all people should be treated with dignity. Russell was awarded the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his athletic feats and lifelong commitment to social justice.

Monday, August 01, 2022

Statement from President Joe Biden On the Passing of Bill Russell

President Biden released the following statement on the death ofBill Russell:

The promise of America is that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. We’ve never fully lived up to that promise, but Bill Russell made sure we never walked away from it.

By August 1963, he had won six of what would be 11 NBA championships in his 13 years in the league with the Boston Celtics, a defining career that would include five regular season Most Valuable Player awards, an Olympic gold medal, and serving as the first Black coach of any major sports league in America.

But on the historic day of August 28, 1963, there he was at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as a towering champion for freedom, equality, and justice as Dr. King delivered a dream for the Nation.

That was Bill Russell. From a childhood in segregated Louisiana to a career playing on the biggest stages in sports at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Bill faced the hostility and hate of racism embedded in every part of American life. Yet, he never gave up. Throughout his life, he forced us to confront hard truths. And on this day, there are generations of Americans who are reflecting on what he meant to them as someone who played for the essential truth that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes in our history – an all-time champion of champions, and a good man and great American who did everything he could to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.

Saturday, June 04, 2022

Boston Celtics wear shirts in support of Brittney Griner

Members of the Boston Celtics wore T-shirts with "WE ARE BG" written across them at Saturday's practice ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals in support of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, who remains detained in Russia.

"The shirts were super important not only showing our support for our sister that is detained over in Russia, Brittney Griner, we just wanted to show that togetherness and love that we have throughout not only the NBA but the WNBA," Grant Williams said. "She's been a vital part of the WNBA over years past, college, and in the amount of impact she's had on young female athletes, USA and overseas.

"We hope to have her back in the U.S. and reunited with her family and do what she loves and bring that love and tenacity she always plays with on the court."

Williams, a vice president within the National Basketball Players Association, said the shirts were a collaboration between both the NBPA and WNBPA, as a way to show support for Griner as she continues to be held in Russia, where she's been in custody since early February.

"They sent them overnight to get them here for today," Williams said. "They did a phenomenal job, and want to credit them to make that process happen. We just wanted to do that as a team. It was one of those things where no one questioned it. Everyone said, 'Let's do it.' Everyone put the shirt on immediately when we got them, fresh off the box. They were ironed and good to go. So we wanted to show that love and support."

The 6-foot-9 center has been in custody since being detained at an airport in mid-February, with the United States government saying Griner has been wrongfully detained.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Thirteen Years After Entering NBA, Steph Curry Graduates with Davidson College Class of 2022

Steph Curry, the Davidson Wildcat legend and NBA superstar graduated as a member of the class of 2022 today. Preparations for the Western Conference Finals prevented him from attending the ceremony but his achievement electrified the College’s 185th Commencement.

Throughout his NBA career, the two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion has repeatedly emphasized the importance of education, how much he valued his Davidson College experience and that he is committed to earning his degree.

Curry needed to finish just one semester to graduate. With the help of a handful of professors—two from Davidson, one from Stanford and a UC Santa Cruz professor who had taught Curry while they were both at Davidson—Curry finished the coursework and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Sociology.

Now that he’s graduated, Davidson College looks forward to an opportunity on campus in the future when it will present his diploma.

The Golden State Warriors acknowledged Curry's achievement.

Monday, May 09, 2022

Monty Williams of Phoenix Suns wins 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year award

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams is the recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year, the NBA announced today. This is the first NBA Coach of the Year Award for Williams, who joins Cotton Fitzsimmons (1988-89) and Mike D’Antoni (2004-05) as head coaches to earn the honor with the Suns.

Williams received 458 points (81 first-place votes) from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins finished in second place with 270 points (17 first-place votes). Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra finished in third place with 72 points (one first-place vote). Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote

Williams guided the Suns to an NBA-leading 64-18 record in the regular season, the most victories and the highest winning percentage (.780) in a season in franchise history. Phoenix had identical 32-9 records at home and on the road. The Suns tied for the third-most road wins and fifth-best road winning percentage (.780) in a season in NBA history.

Phoenix won a franchise-record 18 consecutive games from Oct. 30 – Dec. 2, 2021. The streak included a 16-0 record in November, tied for the second-most wins in a month without a loss in NBA history, trailing only the Atlanta Hawks’ 17-0 record in January 2015.

The Suns finished first in the NBA in net rating (+7.5), third in defensive rating (106.8) and fifth in offensive rating (114.2), making them the only team to rank in the top five in all three categories. They were 47-0 when leading after the third quarter, the most such wins without a loss in a season in the shot clock era (which began in the 1954-55 season).Williams was named the NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month twice (October/November and January). He and his staff also earned the spot to coach Team LeBron in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

This is Williams’ third season as the Suns’ head coach. Last season, he guided Phoenix to a 51-21 record and its first appearance in the NBA Finals since the 1992-93 season, finishing in second place in the voting for the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year Award. Williams previously served as head coach of the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans for five seasons.

Williams will be presented with a special edition 75th Anniversary commemorative trophy today in celebration of winning the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year Award, gifted in addition to the Red Auerbach Trophy, which he will receive later. The commemorative trophy, composed of a solid crystal basketball, features the NBA 75 logo 3D laser etched and suspended within its center.

The NBA Coach of the Year Award trophy is named in honor of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Red Auerbach. The legendary head coach guided the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships, including eight in a row from 1958-59 – 1965-66.

The voting results for the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year Award are below. The balloting was tabulated by the independent accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP. Complete ballots for each voter will be posted at PR.NBA.com after the announcement of all end-of-season awards.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

National Basketball Coaches Association Names Monty Williams Coach of the Year

Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams is the 2022 recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced today.

The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment, and hard work of NBA Head Coaches and is presented annually to a Head Coach who helps guide his players to a higher level of performance on the court and shows outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court. It honors the spirit of Mr. Goldberg, the esteemed long-time Executive Director of the NBCA, who set the standard for loyalty, integrity, love of the game, passionate representation, and tireless promotion of NBA coaching. The award is unique in that it is voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams.

All told, 6 Head Coaches received votes, once again reflecting the depth of coaching excellence in the NBA. In addition to Williams, the following Head Coaches also received votes [listed alphabetically]: Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans; Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies; Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs; and Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat.

“Congratulations to Monty Williams on winning the Michael H. Goldberg Award for a second consecutive season,” said Indiana Pacers Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “Each of his three seasons with the Suns has produced a double-digit increase in wins from the previous year, which is extraordinarily difficult to do. Congratulations again to Monty and his entire staff on a repeat of this most prestigious recognition by his peers.”

Coach Williams led the Suns to a 64-18 record, best in the NBA and a new Suns franchise record for most wins in a season. The Suns captured their second straight Pacific Division title. They also became the first team in NBA history to increase their win total by at least 11 games in three consecutive seasons.

The Suns were as formidable on the road as they were at home. They had a 32-9 record on the road, tied for the third best in NBA history. The team’s .780 winning percentage on the road is a better winning percentage than every other NBA team’s home winning percentage this season. The Suns join the 1969-70 New York Knicks as the only teams to ever accomplish this feat. The Suns were a perfect 8-0 on the road in both November and January. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Suns are the only team in NBA history with multiple unbeaten months (minimum 8 games) on the road in the same season.

Phoenix finished the season fifth in offensive rating (114.2), fourth in defensive rating (106.8), and first in net rating (7.5).

The Suns set an NBA record by going 47-0 when leading after three quarters, shattering the previous record (43-0), and were an impressive 17-17 when trailing after three quarters. This marks only the ninth time in NBA history a team has been .500 or better when trailing entering the fourth quarter. Phoenix was also a perfect 16-0 in November, the most wins in a month and the most wins without a loss in a month in franchise history.

Coach Williams won Western Conference Coach of the Month honors for October/November 2021 and January 2022.

“I am thrilled and overwhelmed to be recognized by my peers and receive the Michael H. Goldberg Coach of the Year Award from the NBCA,” said Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams. “The coaches in our league sacrifice so much to serve their teams, and there are so many outstanding coaches deserving of this honor. It is incredibly humbling to again receive this recognition from this group, for whom I hold the utmost respect. Thank you to my fellow coaches and to everyone at the NBCA…you guys deserve an award for the work that you do for us and our families.

This honor carries added significance because it bears Mr. Goldberg’s name. He cared dearly for all of the league’s coaches and worked tirelessly for our best interests. He was a consistent example of class and sacrificed his time so that we could have better jobs and livelihoods.

Individual accolades are a result of team success. My name gets attached to this award, but the success of our team is due to the work put in everyday by our players, coaching staff, and every member of the Suns organization. This honor is reflective of the efforts of countless people and it is a privilege to work alongside you all. It’s a get to, not a got to.

I am so grateful for each one of our players and staff. It is a blessing and a joy to interact with you all every day. I thank you for making this such a special season for our organization and for our fans – and also for me and my family.”

“Monty Williams is extremely deserving of this Award and the recognition that comes with it from his coaching peers,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Coach Williams’ hard work, commitment, and dedication to his craft and his players led the Suns to an incredible season and the best record in the NBA. Monty embodies the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Congratulations to Coach Williams, the Suns Assistant Coaches, and the entire staff on back-to-back Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year honors.”

In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing NBCA foundation, he guided it during the years of the greatest growth in professional basketball. He helped gain significant benefits for NBA Coaches, including increased retirement funds and disability insurance. Prior to the NBCA, Goldberg was General Counsel of the American Basketball Association.

NBA unveils new trophies for division winners named after African American legends

The NBA unveiled six new trophies for the league’s division winners, each named after an NBA legend and African-American pioneer. The trophies, which will now be awarded to the division winners at the end of every season, celebrate the teams’ season success and honor the pioneers who helped pave the way for the NBA players that have followed.

The trophies are named after African-American pioneers Nat Clifton, Wayne Embry, Earl Lloyd, Willis Reed, Sam Jones and Chuck Cooper.

The trophies, designed by Victor Solomon, each suspend at its center a 200mm crystal ball, comprised of six segments representing each of the NBA’s divisions. One unique segment in each trophy is rendered in gold, representing its respective NBA division. The design of the trophy base is inspired by the division’s conference championship trophy. Each trophy is inscribed with its namesake, along with the name of the team recipient; the division standings are inscribed on the back of the trophy.

Friday, December 31, 2021

Boston Celtics legend Sam Jones dies at 88

Boston Celtics legend Sam Jones has died at the age of 88, the team confirmed to the Associated Press. Jones had been hospitalized in Florida. The team held a moment of silence before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns in honor of Jones.

Jones was a key figure in Boston's dynasty in the 1960s, winning 10 NBA championships in total as a member of the Celtics. Only Bill Russell, with 11, won more. Jones made five All-Star teams and averaged 17.7 points per game across 12 seasons in the league. Called "Mr. Clutch" during his career, Jones hit a number of game-winning shots during his career and consistently raised his scoring in the postseason.

Jones was the No. 8 overall pick in the 1957 NBA Draft after a decorated career at North Carolina Central. He was thereafter inducted into both the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame before eventually earning enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. He was part of the NBA's 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Jones coached briefly after his retirement, including as an assistant for one season with the New Orleans Jazz.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Sam Jones

Sunday, November 07, 2021

NYC mayor-elect Eric Adams won't change COVID-19 vaccine mandate affecting Kyrie Irving

After Eric Adams won hs election and became New York City mayor-elect some wondered whether his new administration would change the current COVID-19 mandates that are affecting Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.

Adams said in an interview with CNN on Friday that the city will not be changing the COVID-19 vaccination rules that are currently in place.

"New York City is not going to change their rule," Adams said. "And again, it is up to the NBA and Kyrie to come to a full understanding on how to keep him on the Nets and to continue to look at all of our athletes that are coming here. Again, I think the NBA and Kyrie [are] going to come to a conclusion on this."

"I'm a Nets fan ... and I love Kyrie," Adams continued. "I think he's a piece that we need for a championship. ... So I believe that it's up to the NBA and Kyrie to come to an understanding on how they want to get through this, and I believe they can come to a resolution."

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

NBA 2K22 Reveals Candace Parker Cover for the WNBA 25th Anniversary Special Edition

Candace Parker will be the first woman to be on the cover of the NBA 2K. She will be on the cover of the WNBA 25th Anniversary Special Edition, which will be available only in the United States and Canada.

Parker commented on being chosen for the cover of the WNBA 25th Anniversary Special Edition of the game, saying:

"The cover of NBA 2K is such a pivotal platform to inspire young ballers, and I wanted future WNBA stars to know that they can be cover athletes too. Representation matters, so this is a special moment of progress for the sport and the series. To be part of this historic cover is a testament to the growth and rising popularity of the women's game, and I'm proud to be the first female cover athlete to be the face of NBA 2K."

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Carmelo Anthony wins NBA's inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award

Carmelo Anthony was announced on Tuesday as the inaugural winner of the NBA's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.

The Portland Trail Blazers forward was selected for the award among fellow finalists Tobias Harris, Jrue Holiday, Harrison Barnes and Juan Toscano-Anderson.

"I've received a lot awards throughout my life, throughout my career," Anthony said. "This award right here, means a lot more than any other award I've received. I say that because of the times that we're in, what we're dealing with in our country, what we're dealing with around the world — and also in our community, the Black community."

[SOURCE: MSN.COM]

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

National Basketball Social Justice Coalition statement in support of George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

On behalf of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, James Cadogan, the Coalition’s Executive Director, released the following statement:

“Almost exactly one year ago, George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis. Like millions around the world, NBA players, coaches, governors, officials, and staff throughout our organizations were outraged to see the horrifying and unlawful actions of the officer who pinned Mr. Floyd’s neck to the ground under his knee for 9 minutes. Mr. Floyd’s death added new fuel to the protests, marches, and urgent calls for racial justice and reform locally and nationally.

“Today, as this painful anniversary approaches, we have an opportunity to honor the memory of Mr. Floyd and others who have been victims of police brutality in this country by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Systemic problems demand systemic solutions. And, because police actions are governed by a diverse array of state laws and local policies, the Floyd Act takes unprecedented strides towards consistency—reforming at a federal level the practices that failed its namesake.

“The bill already passed with a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate where we hope it will have similar bipartisan support as it should and must. As Board Members of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, representing the NBA, the Players Association, the Coaches Association, league staff, and teams in every region of the country, we are calling on our elected representatives of both parties to work together to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the U.S. Senate now and present it to President Biden for him to sign into law this year.

“As members of the NBA family, we will continue to use our influence to support common-sense policy reform in our communities across the nation so that equal justice is afforded to all.”

National Basketball Social Justice Coalition

Carmelo Anthony (Portland Trail Blazers)

Avery Bradley (Houston Rockets)

Sterling Brown (Houston Rockets)

Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)

Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Micky Arison (Miami Heat Managing General Partner)

Steve Ballmer (L.A. Clippers Chairman)

Clay Bennett (Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman)

Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks Governor)

Vivek Ranadivé (Sacramento Kings Governor & Chairman)

Coach Lloyd Pierce

Coach Doc Rivers (Philadelphia 76ers)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Charles Barkley giving $1K to each employee of Alabama school district

NBA legend Charles Barkley is giving $1,000 to every employee of the school system in his Alabama hometown.

The Leeds County school system released a statement announcing the donation on Facebook:

Through the years, the Leeds School System has been fortunate to have the support of its biggest fan and most famous graduate, Charles Barkley, Class of 1981. Over the past three decades, Charles has quietly and without any attention drawn to himself, provided over $3million in scholarships to Leeds graduates, funds that have helped hundreds of students attend college. Charles has also been a huge supporter of both the boys and girls basketball programs at Leeds High--he's even known to show up occasionally to cheer on the Greenwave.

Now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Leeds' favorite son has come to the rescue again. Charles has secured laptops for virtual learners, Wifi hotspots, and donations from Clorox Corporation to help the Leeds staff keep the facilities sanitary as we fight the pandemic this year.

We are humbled and wish to express our sincere gratitude to Charles Barkley for providing a $1,000 gift to each and every Leeds City Schools employee for going the extra mile this school year. Being a school employee is tough, but driving a bus, teaching, coaching, or working in the cafeteria, all while maintaining safety protocols, has been a daunting task during a worldwide pandemic. Although it's been challenging, the Leeds staff has persevered and we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are beyond thankful to know our hometown hero and benefactor, Charles Barkley, recognizes the hard work and dedication of the Leeds staff, even under the toughest of circumstances. Thank you, Charles!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Monty Williams Named the 2021 Recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award

Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams is the 2021 recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced today.

The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment and hard work of NBA Head Coaches and is presented annually to a Head Coach who helps guide his players to a higher level of performance on the court and shows outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court. It honors the spirit of Mr. Goldberg, the esteemed long-time Executive Director of the NBCA, who set the standard for loyalty, integrity, love of the game, passionate representation and tireless promotion of NBA coaching. The award is unique in that it is voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams.

The depth of coaching excellence in the NBA is reflected in this year’s voting as a total of 7 Head Coaches received votes. In addition to Williams, the following also garnered votes: Scott Brooks, Michael Malone, Nate McMillan, Doc Rivers, Quin Snyder and Tom Thibodeau.

“Congratulations to Monty Williams on this most deserving recognition,” said Dallas Mavericks Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “In just two years, Monty has taken the Suns from a 19-63 team to the second-best record in the NBA this season and the Suns’ first Divisional title since 2007. To win the vote of our peers makes the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award one of the most meaningful in all of pro sports.”

Coach Williams led the Phoenix Suns to a 51-21 season, the second-best record in the NBA and their first Divisional title since 2007. The Suns were 43-13 since January 28, the NBA’s best record over that span. Phoenix also had the league’s best road record at 24-12. The Suns ranked 7th offensively and 6th defensively, one of only four teams to rank in the Top 10 in both categories. Their winning percentage of .708 is the fifth best in franchise history.

Just two years ago Coach Williams inherited a team that had finished 19-63 and tied for the second worst record in the league. The Suns won 34 games (in a total of just 73 games) in 2019-20, an improvement of 15 games. This year’s squad improved by 17 (in a total of just 72 games), making the Suns just the fifth team in NBA history to improve by 15 games or more in successive seasons. It is just the third time in 45 years that a team has jumped in the standings from the bottom two to the top two in two seasons or less.

Coach Williams was named NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month for March.

“I am overjoyed to receive the Michael H. Goldberg Coach of the Year Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association,” said Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams. “I hold the utmost respect and admiration for the coaches in this league, so to be recognized by my peers is an incredible honor. Every coach in our league sacrifices a ton to make their teams and organizations better, so this is unbelievably humbling.

To be recognized in Mr. Goldberg’s honor is special. He had a unique and kind manner, and cared for all of the coaches deeply. His suspenders and bow ties were always on point.

This award is far bigger than myself and is a result of the work put in everyday by our players, coaching staff, and the entire Suns organization under the leadership of James Jones and Robert Sarver. This has been a unique year in its challenges, and I am grateful for the tremendous spirit with which our players and staff have approached each day to make this a special season – Everything Counts!

In reference to my life and career, God knocks the ball out of the park and I get to run the bases. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to coach this team, alongside this staff, for this organization – it is a get to, not a got to.

To our players and staff, I am so grateful for each one of you. I am blessed to work with you all daily. You truly have made me a better man.”

“I was very fortunate to have had Michael Goldberg as one of my mentors,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Monty Williams embodies the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Coach Williams’ hard work and devotion to his craft led to a remarkable season for the Suns. Congratulations to Coach Williams, the Suns Assistant Coaches, and the entire staff. This honor is most deserved.”

In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing NBCA foundation, he guided it during the years of the greatest growth in professional basketball. He helped gain significant benefits for NBA Coaches, including increased retirement funds and disability insurance. Prior to the NBCA, Goldberg was General Counsel of the American Basketball Association.

The prior recipients of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award are:

2020: Mike Budenholzer and Billy Donovan

2019: Mike Budenholzer

2018: Dwane Casey

2017: Mike D’Antoni and Erik Spoelstra

The NBA will announce the winner of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the NBA’s Coach of the Year during its coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

About the NBCA: The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) is the labor association that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1976 by legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

NBA creates annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award

The NBA has announced the creation of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, a new annual honor that will recognize a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and upholding the league’s decades-long values of equality, respect and inclusion.

The award is named after six-time NBA champion and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The recipient will have advanced Abdul-Jabbar’s mission to drive change and inspired others to reflect on injustice and take collective action in their communities over the previous year.

The winner of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion honor will select an organization to receive a $100,000 contribution on his behalf. The other four finalists will each select an organization to receive a $25,000 contribution.

“I’m honored and grateful to be associated with this award that will recognize the dedicated and selfless people fighting to promote social justice for all marginalized people,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “To me, it’s another giant step in the right direction for the country and all people who value equality.”

“In addition to being one of our greatest players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has devoted much of his life to advocating for equality and social justice,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “With this new award, we are proud to recognize and celebrate NBA players who are using their influence to make an impact on their communities and our broader society.”

All 30 NBA teams will nominate one player from their roster to be the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion. The finalists and winner will be selected by a committee composed of NBA legends, league executives and social justice leaders.

Abdul-Jabbar has been a champion of inclusivity dating to his youth. At 17, he met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Abdul-Jabbar’s hometown of Harlem, N.Y. Inspired by King’s message, Abdul-Jabbar committed to using his influence as a visible athlete to engage on critically important social issues during the Civil Rights Movement. He attended the 1967 Cleveland Summit where Bill Russell, Jim Brown and other prominent Black athletes gathered to discuss Muhammad Ali’s refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. Abdul-Jabbar has continued to promote equality and combat discrimination in the decades since his retirement from basketball. In 2016, former President Barack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2009, Abdul-Jabbar created the Skyhook Foundation, aimed at providing educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities.

One of the most accomplished players in NBA history, Abdul-Jabbar holds league records for regular-season MVP awards (six), All-Star Game selections (19) and career points (38,387) captured during his 20 NBA seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. Abdul-Jabbar joined the NBA in the 1969-70 season after leading UCLA to three consecutive national championships.

Additional details regarding the inaugural award, including the finalists and winner, will be announced during the postseason.

Monday, April 12, 2021

NBA postpones Nets-Timberwolves game due to the shooting of Daunte Wright

The NBA released the following statement on the postponement of the Nets-Timberwolves game due to the shooting of Daunte Wright:

The National Basketball Association announced today that in light of the tragic events in the Minneapolis area yesterday, tonight’s game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center has been postponed. The decision to postpone was made by the NBA after consultation with the Timberwolves organization and local and state officials.

Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Daunte Wright during this difficult time.

The Timberwolves and the minnesota Lynx also released a statement on the shooting of Daunte Wright: