On the third Monday of January, the nation gathers to celebrate the heroic work of Martin Luther King Jr. The NBA being no different springs into honoring Dr. King and his incredible impact on the United States.
NBA Cares is the league’s global program that addresses important social issues worldwide and has dedicated 6.5 million hours of hands-on service to better communities. A proud partner of NBA Cares is the Realize the Dream initiative.
The Realize the Dream initiative is a volunteer program that works towards honoring Dr. King’s legacy by helping communities. NBA Cares is committed to assisting them achieve 100 million hours of service by 2029 in honor of Dr. King’s 100th birthday.

NBA Players talk Dr. King
Players and coaches from 13 different NBA teams were asked how they view MLK’s impact and importance. Just a few of those testimonials are:
From the New York Knicks, Josh Hart discussed Dr. King’s legacy saying
“It’s courageous. He had a plan and it was to fight for other people that couldn’t fight for themselves.”
The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, Charles Lee discussed the power of change saying
” I think Doctor King showed us things dont change overnight and it takes peaceful action.”

When asked what word best describes Dr. King, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons responded with
” The one word I would use to describe Doctor King would be inspirational. Because we still feel his effect to this day, in terms of the doors that he’s opened for us. Not only as a culture but as people.”
Ime Udoka, head coach of the Houston Rockets mentioned the impact of equality that MLK fought for
” The first thing that comes to mind is equality. And we wouldn’t be where we are today and have the opportunity to do the things we did if not for Doctor King and the things that he did and went through.”

The Phoenix Suns discussed the importance of speaking up and player Mason Plumlee wanted the youth to know that
“They don’t have to wait until they are twenty, 30-40 years old. So speak up, speak out, and you will be heard. “
From the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Willie Green made a powerful statement about the work that MLK did for him and others
” I’m fortunate and blessed today that I am living a part of the dream that he had.”
Herb Jones also mentions the impact of Dr. King on others
” He did so much for so many people that he never came in contact with. He kind of put his life on the line for the future.”

Another important message came from Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers about speaking up and finished his thoughts with the ending statement from all the team’s videos.
” As a child, you don’t really want to speak up because you feel your voice is not heard. But they should always know somebody is listening and somebody’s willing to make a change to better their life. The NBA honors Doctor King.”
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