NBA teams commemorate 2019 MLK Day with service
Check out what’s happening off the court around the league
11:41 AMWhile 22 of the 30 NBA teams are set to play on Monday’s MLK Day slate, they are also commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Several teams will honor King by participating in a national day of service through community efforts and acts of kindness. Here is a glimpse of what’s going on off the court.
atlanta hawks
In conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and National Mentoring Month, the Atlanta Hawks will invite College For Every Student scholars to State Farm Arena to participate in an activity focused on King’s core values by discussing the legacy they intend to leave in their communities and at home.
charlotte hornets
The Charlotte Hornets’ leadership team will sponsor and attend the MLK Day Breakfast with other community members to learn about and discuss the importance of inclusion, equality and diversity.
The team will also host a 5-on-5 basketball clinic on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Spectrum Center.
chicago bulls
The Chicago Bulls will host students from Youth Guidance’s Becoming a Man and Working on Womanhood programs at the United Center to a day of reflecting on the life and legacy of King through positive conversation and plans to impact their communities. Students will create Dream Boards to map out their future along with their program counselors and Horace Grant. Footage from the day will be showcased during the Feb. 23 home game vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
cleveland cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers will host a free MLK Day Clinic at Glenville High School.
denver nuggets
The Denver Nuggets will host a youth basketball day of service with Nuggets Ambassadors. The participating youth basketball team will attend the game on Friday, courtesy of Nuggets players.
los angeles lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers will host their annual Mentor Night as part of National Mentoring Month. During the night, the team will host mentoring organizations from Southern California at the game against the Golden State Warriors. Mentees from the Adopt A Laker program will be invited to a pregame dinner reception and will serve as the evening’s high-five kids.
memphis grizzlies
The Jr. NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies will partner with Athlete Ally, Positive Coaching Alliance and a Call to Men to host a Jr. NBA Coaches Forum designed to engage local youth coaches in a candid discussion about identity, inclusion and respect. Candace Parker, J.B. Bickerstaff, Alvin Gentry and Sam Mitchell will participate in the event.
The Grizzlies will also host the Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium presented by the Hyde Family Foundation. Chris Bosh, Candace Parker and Wayne Embry will be in attendance.
minnesota timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx will partner with HandsOn Twin Cities and the Center for Economic Inclusion for a PACK Day of Service where staff will be joined by high students from the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chapter of Links, Jack and Jill Minneapolis Chapter, Jack and Jill City of Lakes Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta – Delta Gems to build more than 100 dressers for Bridging Inc.
philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers’ general manager Elton Brand and president of business operations Chris Heck will join more than 150,000 volunteers at the 24th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This event is the largest King Day of Service in the nation and will tip off at Girard College in North Philadelphia. 76ers staff members will also join in volunteering their time on MLK Day.
During the 76ers’ home game, the team will celebrate the life of King. Local community members who have carried out King’s legacy of volunteerism and assisting others will be honored on-court. Videos connected to King will play in the arena before and during the game.
sacramento kings
The Sacramento Kings will participate in a local Martin Luther King Jr. March. The team will also host a Jr. Kings clinic followed by a viewing of the in-game MLK video.
utah jazz
The Utah Jazz will host a workshop and a clinic before their game on MLK Day. Thurl Bailey, a Jazz legend and current broadcaster, will participate.