There are NBA players and organizations that are helping in the coronavirus issue. These players and organizations are showing the world the bright side in the coronavirus pandemic. Apologies in advance if some players are not mentioned on this list as there are too many to mention.
There are many NBA players helping in the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes players from the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors.
The Positive Role of the NBA Players in the Coronavirus Pandemic
NBA Players Helping Out Employees
A lot of NBA players have been helping employees since the coronavirus pandemic started. One of them was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who donated money to the staff at Fiserv Forum, where the Milwaukee Bucks play.
It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together! 🙏🏽
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020
Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers did something similar giving out donations to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on his Instagram page according to Scott Polacek of the Bleacher Report.
“I’m concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I’m committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities.”
Another example would be Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans, who has decided to donate money to cover the full salary of the arena staff for a full month in March.
BREAKING: Zion Williamson plans to cover all of the salaries for the Pelicans arena staff during the NBA’s suspension due to the coronavirus for the next 30 days.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 13, 2020
While there are a lot of NBA organizations like the Dallas Mavericks that stepped up and helped its employees, it is a bigger deal for NBA players to step up because there is less pressure for them to do so. These players and others not mentioned should be thanked for going the extra mile to help the everyday employee at their local arenas.
Other NBA Individuals Helping Out in the Coronavirus
This is, of course, not the only way an NBA player can step up to battle the coronavirus. Serge Ibaka, a Toronto Raptors player, hosted a talent show on Instagram Live where the winner gets a $20,000 donation to battle coronavirus in their local city. DeMar DeRozan, current San Antonio Spurs and former Raptors player, also pledged $20,000.
Serge Ibaka hosted a talent show on IG Live on Wednesday, and the winner received his signed Raptors jersey and a $20K donation to #coronavirus relief in his city. DeMar DeRozan, Serge's ex-teammate in Toronto, crashed the competition and pledged to match Serge's $20K donation. pic.twitter.com/HDKt20Qvoy
— CloseUp360 (@CloseUp360) April 9, 2020
Additionally, Ibaka is giving $100,000 to the homeless people in Toronto during this coronavirus pandemic according to Fred Victor.
There are also other people stepping up. RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks has provided 200,000 meals through the Mississauga Food Bank according to the Canadian Press. This is what the Mississauga-native said about his donation.
“One thing my family has taught me is the importance of being supportive when you can, in any way you can. During these difficult times, we all need to do our part, and knowing I have the ability to help ensure people have what they need is important to me,” Barrett said in a statement. “I’m happy I can make a difference in the neighbourhood I grew up in.”
Lastly, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves is also trying to help end the coronavirus. On March 15th, he donated $100,000 for research to help detect coronavirus.
This is why I will be donating $100K to support these efforts. Thank you to the Mayo Clinic workers and all healthcare workers who are working around the clock to treat us. You are our heroes.
We’re all in this together, let’s protect ourselves and the community around us.— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 16, 2020
There are obviously other NBA players that have stepped up to fight the coronavirus. This includes Blake Griffin and Stephen Curry. These NBA players should be thanked for their contributions to their efforts to help battle COVID-19. They are showing the good side of humanity in these difficult times.
NBA 2K Players Tournament
Lastly, the NBA 2K Players Tournament was launched this year. This tournament had 16 NBA players play the video game NBA 2K20 on Xbox One. In the end, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker won the tournament against teammate Deandre Ayton in the 2K tournament final. This tournament gave Booker $100,000 for a charity or charities of his own choosing during the coronavirus pandemic. Booker decided to split his winnings with two charities. These charities are #FirstRespondersFirst and Arizona Food Bank Network according to Sam Quinn and Chris Bengel of CBS Sports.
Overview of NBA Players Contribution to the Coronavirus
For better or worse, sports athletes are role models and are adored throughout the world. The NBA is no exception with some players like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard getting attention from youths throughout the world.
However, today many of these NBA players are showing the good side of their nature by giving back in difficult times. This will most likely have a positive impact on youth growing up with the NBA. Lastly, big thanks to the front-line workers, which includes healthcare, grocery workers, care home workers, paramedics, and other workers for being in the frontline for this pandemic. These people are putting their lives on the line so that we keep safe from the coronavirus.
Main Photo
