It's been almost three months since the coronavirus pandemic suspended the NBA season. Almost immediately, teams and players showed support for their communities, committing time and money to help.
Each team did something to stimulate relief efforts. For example, Miami Heat owner Mickey Arison donated $ 1 million to help part-time workers at the arena. The Los Angeles, Lakers and Kings did the same, combining to create a fund for Staples Center employees, who are almost all part-time.
It's great to see the teams and the owners intensify, but for some players, it's not enough. 97 NBA players and the NBA Foundation have donated a total of $ 5.5 million to non-profit organizations to support the relief efforts.
Here are ten people who have contributed in their own way.
Giannis AntetokounmpoThe reigning MVP looked set to win a second consecutive prize this season. The Bucks were also a favorite to reach the NBA finals before the game stopped. Calling the situation "bigger than basketball", Antetokounmpo pledged $ 100,000 to Fiserv Forum staff.
At the start of the pandemic, Kevin Love said he was "concerned about the level of anxiety everyone is feeling." He committed $ 100,000 to his original arena, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, by donating money to support staff who suddenly found themselves unemployed.
Love's teammate Andre Drummond shows his support for both his city and his hometown. Drummond donated $ 60,000 to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse event staff and hourly workers. In addition to that, Drummond donated $ 100,000 to Middlesex Health's emergency response fund. Drummond grew up in the area and his mother worked for Middlesex Health. The big man also partnered with JBL to donate 10,000 pairs of headphones to schools in the Cleveland and Detroit areas, providing assistance to schools that have had to virtually complete their years.
One of the most active supporters of promoting awareness and taking preventive measures, Karl-Anthony Towns pledged $ 100,000 to the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, her mother died of a coronavirus a few weeks after posting an emotional video call to take things seriously.
WE CAN BEAT THIS, BUT IT IS SERIOUS AND WE MUST TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS. https://t.co/zxMqVB9AWk via @Youtube
- Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 25, 2020
Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin has not played since the end of 2019 due to an injury. Just two days after suspending the league, Griffin pledged $ 100,000 to Detroit staff at Little Caesars Arena.
Serge Ibaka has always been a bit off the beaten track, especially organize an online show where he makes his teammates eat exotic cuisine. Instead of making a direct donation to the coronavirus rescue efforts, he organized a talent show on Instagram Live to raise funds. The winner won a Raptors jersey and a $ 20,000 donation to their city. Former Ibaka teammate DeMar DeRozan crushed the competition and matched Ibaka's gift of $ 20,000. Ibaka also donated $ 100,000 to support the homeless in Toronto.
Choice # 1 is on a rookie salary, so it doesn't make as much money as everyone on this list. But Zion Williamson didn't let that stop him from having a big impact. He covered the salaries of all staff at the New Orleans Pelican Arena for 30 days.
Williamson's former teammate is also intensifying. RJ Barrett supplied 200,000 meals to his hometown through the Mississauga Food Bank.
The Phoenix Suns struggled on the field, but dominated the very first NBA 2K Players tournament. Devin Booker defeated teammate Deandre Ayton, earning $ 100,000 to Booker to donate to charity. He shared his earnings between #FirstRespondersFirst and the Arizona Food Bank Network.
The NBA has suspended its season after Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The Jazz Center has pledged more than $ 500,000 to support multiple relief efforts, including the Vivint Smart Home Arena Employee Assistance Fund and COVID-19 social services in Utah, Oklahoma City and the France.