Basketball News

 

Relationship with Karl Malone[edit]

Laboratory blood tests prepared for the Bell family's 1996 paternity lawsuit against Karl Malone reportedly pointed to an over 99 percent probability that Bell's father was either Malone or a brother of Malone. Malone initially refused to respond to the lawsuit, but eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the Bell family over the issue. The Bells received a single lump sum payment of a confidential amount, with no on-going child support for Demetress. In speaking later about the settlement, Malone's attorney asserted that it had not included an official court determination of paternity, and noted that Malone "had a lot of brothers".^[2]

Although Malone was 20 years old at the time that the 13-year-old Gloria Bell was impregnated, she said that her family chose not to pursue criminal charges against Malone over the relationship. According to Bell, with Malone being a neighbor — Summerfield's population is only a few hundred — her family did not wish to see him jailed, especially since he would then be unable to provide any support for Demetress at all.^[2]

In 2008, The Buffalo News published a story about Bell that included the claim that he did not know who his father was until after he graduated from high school.^[3] However, in a 1998 article in The Salt Lake Tribune, when Bell was 14 years old, his mother spoke of his shying away from anything to do with Malone because his feelings were hurt by Malone's refusal to acknowledge him.^[5]

According to Bell, he has spoken to Malone on one occasion, when Bell was 18 years old. Bell reported that Malone told him that he would have to make his way on his own, as it was too late for the two men to have a father-son relationship.^[3]

Bell and Malone began to mend their relationship around 2014, and in 2018, Bell said that he and Malone talk and text "nearly every day" after going on a hunting trip together and had a close relationship.^[4] Malone said about his relationship with his older children, "I didn't handle it right; I was wrong ... Father Time is the biggest thief that's out there, and you can't get that back."^[4]

Bell has reported that he is very close to Daryl and Cheryl Ford, older twins of Malone that were also the subjects of a paternity suit.^[18][2

NBA COMMISSIONER ADAM SILVER’S STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF RED McCOMBS

 

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2023 – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former San Antonio Spurs team governor Red McCombs:

 

“Red McCombs brought the Spurs to San Antonio and was a driving force in creating the modern NBA.  He was an innovator and savvy entrepreneur who never shied away from taking risks.  We mourn Red’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and the Spurs organization.”

 NBA AND COSM ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO BRING LIVE IMMERSIVE GAMES IN 8K TO NEW EXPERIENTIAL VENUES

 

– NBA to Become First Sports League to Partner with Cosm on Shared Reality Experience –

 

February 16, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) – The NBA and Cosm, a leading immersive technology, media, and entertainment company, today announced a multi-year partnership that will feature a new live game viewing experience for fans. In this first-of-its-kind partnership, Cosm will produce and present select games from NBA League Pass, the league’s out-of-market live game streaming service, in immersive 8K on large-scale LED-dome systems at its forthcoming venues.

 

The agreement makes the NBA the first professional sports league to partner with Cosm to debut select NBA League Pass games in “Shared Reality,” a new type of immersive experience, driven by Cosm’s CX System, that seamlessly bridges the virtual and physical worlds. Cosm brings the world’s best fan experiences to the screen and merges a stadium-like atmosphere – the energy of the crowd, elevated food and beverage options, specialized merchandise, and state-of-the-art visuals –  to make guests feel like they are in an NBA Arena. Members of NBA ID, the league’s new global membership program, will receive exclusive benefits at Cosm’s venues, including discounts on tickets, merchandise, and events.

 

“We are excited to bring NBA games to Cosm’s innovative venues and further our common goal of enhancing the fan experience,” said Teddy Kaplan, Associate Vice President, New Media Partner Management Lead at the NBA. “Cosm’s Shared Reality technology offers a new and exciting way to bring fans together in person and closer to the game."

 

“This is one of the most transformational deals to hit the sports industry in quite some time,” added Jeb Terry, President & CEO at Cosm. “Our team has created an entirely new experience, driven by industry-leading technology, to give fans a new way to watch the game. We have an incredible opportunity to work with a partner as innovative as the NBA, to combine our collective know-how, and to rewrite the playbook on how leagues, broadcasters, and brands can bring fans closer to the action than ever before. The promise of Cosm is to give you the best seat in the house, no matter where that house is. It is the best of at-home and in-arena experience as one, and we’re thrilled to deliver on that promise with the NBA.”

 

“Cosm is transforming the experience of the live game, and we could not have asked for a better partner than the NBA to show off the future of fandom,” added Peter Murphy, Vice President, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Cosm. “We look forward to leveraging Cosm’s unparalleled experience in experiential technology to distribute live NBA games in a way the world has never seen before. Through our partnership, NBA games will be a pillar in Cosm’s venue programming for years to come.”

 

The NBA and Cosm will continue to work together to deliver live, immersive 8K feeds directly into Cosm’s research and development facility (“Experience Center”) in Salt Lake City, UT. Both the league and company will collaborate and amplify the announcement by hosting private events at the Experience Center throughout NBA All-Star 2023.

 

Cosm recently broke ground at its first venue in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park, adjacent to SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, and announced its second venue in Dallas at Grandscape, with plans to expand to additional locations in key markets. Details around the schedule of events upon the opening of these venues will be shared at a later date.

USA basketball icon Carmelo Anthony named Global Ambassador for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

FEBRUARY 24 MIES (Switzerland) - USA superstar and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony has become a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, with the event tipping off on August 25 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

Carmelo Anthony | FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador

Joining the recently announced Argentina superstar Luis Scola and Spain legend Pau Gasol as Global Ambassadors, Carmelo Anthony will help promote the World Cup and take part in activities in the buildup to FIBA's flagship men's competition. "I've proudly represented the USA on the world's largest stages, and the World Cup is the toughest competition in international basketball," Carmelo said. "It's all about striking a perfect balance of personnel, talent and having that great chemistry. I'm looking forward to supporting all the players at the World Cup this year and celebrating the sport on a global scale." A three-time Olympic gold medalist, a select on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and currently ranked Top 10 on the NBA All-Time Scoring List, Carmelo has led a storied career. At the 2006 World Cup in Japan, Carmelo put on a dynamic, high-scoring display when he led the American team to the podium with a third-place finish and claimed a spot in the All-Star Five. He averaged 19.9 points per game and poured in 35 of the USA's points in their come-from-behind 94-85 triumph over Italy in the Group Phase. That performance triggered a three-game run, all-American wins, in which Carmelo buried 12 of 20 attempts from three-point range. Even in their only loss in the competition, a 101-95 Semi-Final defeat to Greece, Carmelo had a game-high 27 points. The Olympic stage was also where Carmelo shone for the USA as he helped the national team to three undefeated gold medal runs in 2008, 2012 and 2016, and also a bronze medal in 2004. In the U.S. Olympic men's career record book, he currently is second in the all-time scoring list with 336 points scored, 113 field goals made, 262 field goals attempted, 125 rebounds, 139 3-point field goals attempted, and 71 free throws attempted. Carmelo is also second all-time in three-point field goals made with 57. Bursting onto the scene in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games at age 20, playing in the 2006 World Cup, and then winning the FIBA AmeriCup in 2007, Carmelo is assured of legendary status in the USA and in international basketball due to his career longevity, prolific scoring, and strong leadership qualities.  Carmelo will be in Manila on February 24 for the Philippines vs. Lebanon World Cup qualifier game of Window 6, soaking up the atmosphere that the Philippines are so famous for when it comes to basketball. Please be advised of the following update to the 2022-23 NBA Schedule:     Tuesday, February 28, 2023 The L.A. Lakers at Memphis game will now be televised by TNT, with game time changed to 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM local. The Washington at Atlanta game will no longer be televised by TNT.     FEB. 28, 2023 LOCAL ET TV L.A. Lakers at Memphis 6:30PM 7:30PM TNT Minnesota at LA Clippers 7:00PM 10:00PM TNT   2023 NBA All-Star weekend (Feb. 17-19) delivers record social and digital engagement:   Most-viewed Instagram account Most-viewed brand account on Twitter Most-viewed EVER on NBA App Most-viewed AT&T Slam Dunk EVER    Grises de Humacao aseguran clasificación a la postemporada por cuarto año consecutivo en la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (Humacao P.R.) – El pasado domingo 12 de febrero, los Grises de Humacao de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña derrotaron a los Artesanos de Las Piedras con marcador de 88-82, en partido celebrado en la legendaria e histórica cancha Emilio E. Huyke. Con esta victoria Humacao pone su marca en 12-6 y asegura su clasificación a la postemporada por cuarto año seguido. El apoderado del equipo, Orlando J. López informó que el armador Geovan Delgado lució en grande y lideró la ofensiva por la franquicia humacaeña con 19 puntos, 12 rebotes y 5 asistencias. Axel Ortiz añadió 17 a la causa Gris y Cristian Díaz coló 16. El sábado 11, vencieron a los Mulos de Juncos con puntuación de 106 por 70. El próximo compromiso para el combinado de Humacao será el jueves 16 de febrero, cuando visitan a los Indios de Canóvanas, desde las 8:00 de la noche, en el Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual. Para más información pueden comunicarse al (787) 949-4704, en Facebook e Instagram: Grises de Humacao LBP o al correo electrónico grisesdehumacaolbp@gmail.com.

 

Basketball News

 

STEPHEN CURRY LEADS NBA’s MOST POPULAR JERSEY LIST FOR FIRST HALF OF REGULAR SEASON

– Los Angeles Lakers Lead Team Merchandise Sales –

 

NEW YORK, Jan 20, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association today jointly announced that The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and the Los Angeles Lakers secured the top spots on the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists, respectively.  Results are based on NBAStore.com sales for the first half of the 2022-23 regular season.

 

Additional highlights include the following:

·        The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (No. 1) regains the top spot on the jersey ranking list for the first time since the 2017-18 NBA season.

·        The Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (No. 6) earns his highest ranking yet on the most popular jersey list.

·        The Boston Celtics (No. 3) and The Milwaukee Bucks (No. 4) both jumped three spots on the team merchandise rankings list since the end of the last NBA regular season.

 

 

San Juan to host FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2023

JANUARY 20, 2023 SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) – The third edition of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 1-3, 2023. The Puerto Rico Basketball Federation will organize the 2023 edition of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup after two editions in Miami, USA. “Puerto Rico has been host of a lot of quality FIBA competitions for both 3x3 and basketball, including the 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2019 and the FIBA Women’s Americup 2021” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. “We are excited to bring 3x3 back to Puerto Rico, the home of the first-ever 3x3 World Tour winners back in 2012, for a tournament that is part of the qualification path to the Olympic Games.” One team per gender will qualify for the FIBA Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2, which will qualify one team from each gender to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The event will be played at the T-Mobile District of San Juan. "In collaboration with the Recreation and Sports Department, we will celebrate, for the first time, the 3x3 AmeriCup in Puerto Rico. We are ready to transform the T-Mobile District, one of the most modern, accessible, and fun venues on the island, to receive the delegations and offer fans a great show in December," said Yum Ramos, president of the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation. “We are very excited to host the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup here in San Juan, home of the first World Tour winners back in 2012.  Puerto Rico has a lot of 3x3 tradition, our fans are the best and they deserve to experience a high-level 3x3 event like this. The event will be packed, very competitive and a total success.” said Oscar Hourruitiner, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico 3x3 National Team. Every eligible national federation from the Americas is allowed to register a men’s and/or a women’s national team at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup. As it is the case for every FIBA 3x3 national team official competition, the main draw of these events will feature the same number of men and women’s teams, who will play alternatively on the same court in front of the same fans. ### Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups. On July 24, 2021, 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games. For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku , YouTube and Twitch or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.  Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively, in the third fan returns of NBA All-Star Voting presented by AT&T. Antetokounmpo has moved ahead of Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant by 132,014 votes for the top overall spot in the Eastern Conference.  Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has extended his lead over Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid to 203,379 votes for third place among East frontcourt players, behind Antetokounmpo and Durant.   Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving leads the East guards and is followed closely by the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, with the two players separated by 116,808 votes. In the Western Conference, the top three frontcourt spots are held by James (No. 1), Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (No. 2) and Lakers forward Anthony Davis (No. 3).  Davis is 77,439 votes ahead of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (No. 4).  At guard, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry tops the position group and is 246,167 votes ahead of the No. 2 player, the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić.  Fans account for 50% of the vote to determine the starters for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.  Current NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.  NBA All-Star Voting presented by AT&T will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  Tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 20) will be the final “3-for-1 Day,” when each fan vote counts three times. The NBA All-Star Game starters, including the two team captains, will be revealed by TNT on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. ET.  The team captains will be the All-Star starter from each conference who receives the most fan votes in his conference. Below are the top 10 vote-getters by position group in the third fan returns.   “THROW IT DOWN WITH BILL WALTON” ALTERNATE GAME TELECAST TO DEBUT ON NBA LEAGUE PASS IN THE NEW NBA APP   – First Telecast Set for San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game on Jan. 23 with Guest Appearances from Phil Knight and Julius Erving –   – Jason Benetti to Serve as Play-by-Play Host; Show to Feature Special Guests from Across Sports, Music, Literature and Business –   NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2023 – The NBA today announced the launch of “Throw it Down with Bill Walton,” an alternative game telecast hosted by NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Team member and legendary broadcaster Bill Walton that will stream exclusively on NBA League Pass via the new NBA App.  The first telecast will debut Monday, Jan. 23 for the San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers game at 10 p.m. ET.   “This incredible dream is the thrill, honor and privilege of a lifetime.  Wow, and on the NBA’s global and intergalactic platform too!” said Walton.  “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.  Please help me throw it down as this volcanic eruption celebrates the best of life, nature, sport, the NBA and everything else.  We promise to blast through the real, imaginary and self-imposed limits of the known universe and beyond.  Won’t you come with me.  Hold on if you can.  Hold on if you dare.  THROW IT DOWN, exclusively on the NBA App, where dreams become reality, where we come to grow and where the deal goes down.”   Walton – a two-time NBA champion, NBA MVP, Sixth Man of the Year, Finals MVP and acclaimed Emmy Award-winning broadcaster – will call the action for a series of NBA League Pass games as he surveys the brightest stars in today’s game and flashes back to his remarkable life and career.  The show – featuring special guests from across sports, music, literature, business, entertainment and beyond – will stream on select Mondays with Jason Benetti serving as the play-by-play announcer.  NBA legend Julius Erving and Nike co-founder and chairman emeritus Phil Knight are set to be the featured guests for the first telecast.   The upcoming schedule for the “Throw It Down with Bill Walton” series is highlighted below:   Date Away Home Time Monday, Jan. 23 San Antonio Portland 10 p.m. ET Monday, Jan. 30 Toronto Phoenix 9 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 6 Cleveland Washington 7 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 27 Boston New York 7:30 p.m. ET Monday, March 6 Boston Cleveland 7 p.m. ET   “Throw it Down with Bill Walton” joins a strong list of alternative game telecasts featured exclusively on the NBA App: NBA HooperVision – Former NBA players and hosts, including Quentin Richardson, Nate Robinson and Dorell Wright, share their unique insights on the game with a pop culture crossover.   NBABet Stream – A weekly stream with a selection of top contributors who provide the latest betting information during live game coverage.   NBA Strategy Stream – Fans can get deep analytics and Xs and Os through this insightful stream from Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux.   As previously announced, the new and improved NBA App is the all-in-one destination for NBA fans of every team.  With entirely new personalization features, the NBA App provides wall-to-wall content from every NBA game and features social-style vertical video, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to players and teams, new and existing shows and series, and access to the NBA vault for free.  The NBA App – a product of NBA Digital, the league’s joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports – is free to download here.   About the NBA The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes. FRANCE AND NBA ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE COLLABORATION TO ELEVATE BASKETBALL IN FRANCE AND AFRICA   PARIS, Jan. 19, 2023 – French President Emmanuel Macron and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today announced a comprehensive plan to collaborate on a variety of initiatives that will elevate basketball in France and Africa at all levels.   The French Government and the NBA are forming a working group of senior level executives and will coordinate with the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) to develop these plans further, culminating with a formal partnership that will be announced in conjunction with the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris, where basketball will be a featured sport.   President Macron, Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, NBA Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, and FFBB President Jean-Pierre Siutat met yesterday in Paris ahead of The NBA Paris Game 2023 Presented by Nike, which will feature the six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls and the three-time NBA champion Detroit Pistons playing the league’s second regular-season game in Paris tonight at 9 p.m. CET.   The French Government and the NBA plan to work together on the following initiatives:   The NBA and the LNB, France’s top professional basketball league that currently features French star and top 2023 NBA Draft prospect Victor Wembanyama, will share best practices across team and league business and basketball operations that will help grow the LNB and its teams and deepen their engagement with French fans.  The NBA and the LNB will also explore exhibition games and ancillary events featuring NBA, LNB and Basketball Africa League (BAL) teams and players.   In the lead up to the 2024 Summer Olympics, France and the NBA will conduct grassroots basketball development programming, interactive fan events and player appearances that will bring the NBA experience directly to fans in Paris.   The NBA and the FFBB will expand their existing basketball development programming that has reached more than a quarter of a million French youth over the past decade, including through the Jr. NBA Challenge Benjamin(e)s program.   France and the NBA plan to further invest in basketball infrastructure in Africa, including multipurpose facilities that can host BAL and NBA games and that will drive economic growth in communities across the continent.   “I am delighted and proud of the NBA’s choice to make France and Paris one of its privileged playgrounds in the world,” said Emmanuel Macron.  “It reflects the special and long-standing relationship that France has with the NBA.  With the excellence of our training, the performance of our national teams and the hosting of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games, we now have the opportunity to go further and engage in a useful and lasting partnership for the benefit of French basketball, as well as in support of our development policy in Africa.  I am very pleased with this cooperation which will delight basketball fans and practitioners in our country and will contribute to our project to make France a great nation of sport.”   “It is a great honor to work and build a partnership with the NBA,” said Siutat.  “The French Federation already did it 10 years ago on youth programs.  Our national teams are doing great and basketball in France is growing fast.  It is time now to go forward at a higher level and we think there is momentum for our sport, especially with the Olympic and Paralympic games next year in Paris.  We are very proud to announce this cooperation.  I want to thank Adam Silver and President Macron for their support.”   “We’re honored to work with President Macron, the French Basketball Federation and the LNB to build on the tremendous momentum around basketball and the NBA in France,” said Silver.  “President Macron strongly believes in the power of basketball to inspire and connect people everywhere, and we see enormous potential to grow the game and drive economic opportunity around sport in France and Africa.”   The NBA Paris Game 2023 Presented by Nike will air live on beIN SPORTS, free-to-air Canal+ and NBA League Pass at 9 p.m. CET, reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.    The NBA and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s inclusive public development bank committed to financing and technical assistance for projects that improve the lives of people in developing and emerging economies, have an existing collaboration to promote social inclusion in Africa by developing basketball infrastructure and conducting youth basketball programs, events and initiatives in select African countries.    There have been more NBA players from France than from any other country outside North America, including nine this season. This weekend, the NBA celebrated one of its most important traditions honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   Today, nine NBA games will be played including a compelling lineup of four nationally televised games on TNT and NBA TV tipping off at 1:00 p.m. ET. Additionally, all teams playing throughout the weekend wore custom Nike Martin Luther King Jr. Day On-Court Warm-Up T-Shirts designed in collaboration with the MLK Foundation, Martin Luther King III and the NBPA. All 30 NBA teams commemorated the important holiday and iconic leader in-arena, on broadcast, social media and through additional storytelling, and will continue to do so throughout the day.   NBA on MLK Day National TV Schedule: Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets – 1 p.m. ET on NBA TV Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks – 3:30 p.m. ET on TNT Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 6:00 p.m. ET on TNT Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV   NBA HBCU Fellowship Program Application Opens Today The application window for the 2023 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program opens today. Last year, the NBA launched this paid Fellowship to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. The NBA and its teams hosted an inaugural cohort of 60 fellows representing 24 different HBCUs for a ten-week period during summer 2022. Interested students can apply here. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20.   New “Change” MLK Spot: On Jan. 5, the NBA unveiled “Change”, the new spot that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and highlights Dr. King’s vision, courage, and selflessness, which started a movement that still changes lives today. Released in :30 and :60 second versions, the spot opens in a classic theatre featuring and narrated by Memphis Grizzlies Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. The spot shows Jackson Jr. watching footage of pivotal moments from Dr. King’s life and includes powerful soundbites from Dr. King’s “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speech.     Custom Nike Warm-Ups: NBA teams playing on MLK day will wear custom Nike Martin Luther King Jr. Day On-Court Warm-Up T-Shirts. Teams not playing on the holiday were encouraged to wear their warm-up t-shirts at the closest home game to MLK Day.     MLK Day Commemorations Leaguewide: Last week and throughout the weekend, all 30 NBA teams will honor Dr. King’s pursuit of racial, social and economic justice. Please visit NBA.com/MLK for additional information on team and league celebrations and find select activations below:   Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream Jr. NBA basketball development event: On Saturday, Jan. 14, 24 youth basketball teams comprised of more than 200 middle school students competed in a 5v5 tournament at the CT Martin Recreation Center from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET. Atlanta Hawks alumni Damien Wilkins, Dion Glover, Roshown McLeod, Atlanta Dream players Nia Coffey and AD Durr, and Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright were in attendance in support of the league’s youth basketball development programming surrounding MLK Day. The winning team from each of the boys and girls divisions received trophies, as well as official Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream merchandise.   Jr. NBA 5v5 Tournament Appearances Damien Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks alumni) Dion Glover (Atlanta Hawks alumni) Roshown Mcleod (Atlanta Hawks alumni) Nia Coffey (Atlanta Dream player) AD Durr (Atlanta Dream player) Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream Head Coach)   Additionally, 40 youth coaches will participate in a Jr. NBA Respect the Game Forum on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center. The forum will tip off with a fireside chat headlined by former Atlanta Hawks player Salim Stoudamire. In partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, the Jr. NBA will also host a workshop for attendees focusing on creating meaningful connections with youth athletes and fostering inclusive environments.  Participants will then attend the Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks MLK Day game at 3:30 p.m. ET at the State Farm Arena.   Jr. NBA Respect the Game Forum Appearances Salim Stoudamire (Atlanta Hawks alumni)   Memphis Grizzlies: On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Grizzlies hosted a NCRM VIP tour and Intersection of Race and Sport panel to discuss the topic of reckoning with confederate monuments of college campuses. Panelists included NBA legend Grant Hill, Memphis Grizzlies Guard Danny Green, University of Memphis Women’s Basketball Head Coach Katrina Merriweather and Washington Post photographer Cornell Watson. The panel was moderated by Andscape senior NBA writer Marc Spears.   Minnesota Timberwolves: On Monday, Jan. 16, Business and Basketball Operations staff from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx and Iowa Wolves will participate in the 33rd annual MLK Breakfast. The MLK Breakfast celebrates a 33-year legacy of leadership in the Twin Cities and is a landmark event known for uniting our community and benefitting the United Negro College Fund Twin Cities local scholars.   Additionally, the Timberwolves Pack Gives Back Community Ticket Program will provide complimentary tickets to local area schools and youth-serving organizations.