April 24
NBA ref Bill Kennedy delivers 100 meals to frontline workers
NBA referee Bill Kennedy combined his love for Carrabba’s and wanting to make a difference to show support for those in his hometown of Phoenix on the frontlines during this coronavirus pandemic.
Kennedy partnered with the Italian restaurant and NBA to donate 100 meals catered by Carrabba’s in Peoria to night shift employees Thursday night at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Glendale.
“Just sitting here in my house being quarantined as we are here in Phoenix and not being able to do much, I’m talking to the walls and the walls are beginning to answer back and so it’s just something I want to be able to get out and do something,” Kennedy said. “So this what I saw was an opportunity to give back and show support for those frontliners and to have them appreciated for what they do and putting themselves in harms way night in and night out.”
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Wall honors late mother with donations to D.C. and NC hospitals
John Wall, in conjunction with the John Wall Family Foundation, surprised doctors and nurses at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. with a donation of 2,300 N95 masks to aid their efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Wall also partnered with Chick-Fil-A to provide approximately 600 meals for front line workers and first responders at each location.
Both locations hold a special place in Wall’s heart. Wall lost his mother, Frances Pulley, to breast cancer in December. In the months leading up to her passing, Pulley received the majority of her medical care from MedStar Washington Hospital Center and spent her final days at UNC Rex Hospital in Wall’s hometown of Raleigh.
The donations of masks and meals at both locations were made in Ms. Pulley’s name.
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Richardson lends support to Philadelphia food bank
Josh Richardson of the Philadelphia 76ers and Lineage Logistics, the world’s largest and most innovative provider of temperature-controlled food logistics, have partnered in an effort to bring meals to the greater Philadelphia area in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In support of Lineage’s international “Share a Meal” campaign, Lineage Logistics and Josh Richardson announced a donation through Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, to support the local efforts of Philadelphia based food bank, Philabundance. Philabundance is the area’s largest hunger relief organization, with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good. Working with a network of over 350 agencies such as food pantries, shelters, schools and more, Philabundance serves over 90,000 people a week who are at risk of hunger.
“I am blessed to be able to provide support during this unprecedented time,” said Josh Richardson. “The City of Philadelphia, the people and the community have welcomed me with open arms and I will continue to do whatever I can to help as we get through this together.”
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April 23
Phoenix Suns Charities Donates $25,000 to “Food Fight” Hunger Relief Efforts
Phoenix Suns Charities contributed $25,000 to support FOOD FIGHT, a 1-2 punch combined effort between downtown Phoenix restaurant/venue The DUCE and local non-profit WASTE NOT. Their mission is to deliver comfort food via Waste Not’s team of dedicated volunteer drivers to thousands of local families who’ve suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves on the ropes. With the capacity of cooking up to a thousand meals a each day, they’ll feed thousands of hungry families across the vValley.
“Since the NBA season was postponed, our efforts organization-wide have been focused on working with our partners to assist the most vulnerable in our community,” said Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver. “We are proud to support the Duce and Waste Not’s efforts to help those struggling with hunger and encourage others to do the same. Getting through these challenging times together requires teamwork and we will continue to identify where support is needed most.”
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April 22
Smart’s foundation to help frontline workers
Celtics guard Marcus Smart, on behalf of his YounGameChanger Foundation, is collaborating with several local restaurants to provide over 425 meals to frontline workers across various hospitals throughout New England.
The meals, which are being prepared and delivered by Prepped Gainz of Everett, MA, Arya Trattoria of Boston’s North End, Tallulah’s Taqueria and Nicks on Broadway in Providence, RI, and Scratch Kitchen of Newport, RI, will provide health-conscious meals to frontline workers at Boston Children’s Hospital, Tufts Floating Children’s Hospital, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
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Gores, Tellem and Pistons make $250K donation to Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
Inspired by the efforts of health care workers in metro Detroit and around the world, Tom Gores, Arn Tellem and the Detroit Pistons are making an initial donation of $250,000 to the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s COVID-19 health fund. Funds will be used to help address urgent health-related needs in the community.
The video also serves as a public service announcement encouraging residents to abide by the State of Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.
Gores and the Pistons organization have rallied support for multiple COVID-19 relief efforts recently: Last week Gores purchased and delivered 100,000 surgical-grade masks for the City of Detroit to support first responders and city workers; the organization is made the newly constructed Performance Center downtown available to health officials for crisis response activities, if needed; in partnership with Wayne County and corporate partners, the organization made a $370,000 funding grant to Forgotten Harvest; the Pistons are helping the City of Detroit communicate important messages to residents through a series of Public Service Announcements featuring popular players from the past and present; and created a centralized repository of COVID-19 resources accessible on the team’s web site.
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April 21
Lakers, Clippers, Sparks help create ‘TEAMS FOR LA’ to benefit Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti during his daily COVID-19 press briefing from City Hall that AEG, the LA Clippers, LA Galaxy, LA Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Sparks and Rank + Rally have joined forces to launch the TEAMS FOR LA ONLINE SALE to sell logoed team merchandise, as well as classic merchandise from the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the GRAMMY Awards, to benefit the Mayor’s L.A. Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund. Proceeds from the website, www.teamlastore.com, that launched today, support critical needs as they arise in the city – such as childcare and meals for the neediest, relief and counseling for frontline healthcare workers, critical healthcare equipment, and services for L.A.’s homeless population.
In addition to the 30,000+ items offered at discounted prices, fans can also send gear through the site directly to local shelters and non-profits for those that need it most. All financial contributions will be donated directly to the Mayor’s Fund.
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Orlando Magic owners donate $50,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
The Magic and locally-owned and operated Papa John’s in Central Florida have teamed up to aid food insecure children and families by supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The DeVos family, owners of the Magic, will contribute $50,000 and the Magic’s longtime partner, Papa John’s, will donate 25 percent of each online order they receive from April 21-May 20 when fans apply the promo code MAGICGIVE at PapaJohns.com to assist Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
“As we all work through this unprecedented moment in history, the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic will continue to be there for our community in this great time of need and compassion,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “We are honored to have an amazing partner like Papa John’s who join us in our quest to eliminate hunger in our community. This has been a focus for us over the years, and now more than ever this remains a priority. We will continue to work together to make sure we assist those most vulnerable, and, as always, we know Central Florida will continue to rise to the challenge.”
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April 20
Kings’ Barnes helping to feed vulnerable families, seniors
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes and his wife, Brittany, are donating $40,000 to fund weekly groceries for vulnerable families and seniors for the next month. The Barnes donation will provide weekly family meals, coordinated in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, the Black Child Legacy Campaign (BCLC) and the seven BCLC community partner organizations working to prevent and reduce disproportionate African American child deaths in Sacramento. Food is given to families identified by community organizations across Sacramento County. Each box contains non-perishable foods such as pasta, rice and canned goods as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. Additionally, Barnes and his wife will donate Dutch Bros coffee and pastries to physicians and staff working on the front lines in the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit. These donations are in addition to the more than 1,250 meals donated to families and children in need during the month of April by Barnes and his fellow teammates Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Aaron Fox, Richaun Holmes and Cory Joseph.
“Food accessibility is a health crisis that has always affected underserved communities. This pandemic has really magnified the issue – so we knew this was an area we wanted to focus our efforts,” Barnes said of he and his wife’s community efforts amidst COVID-19.
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April 19
Former NBA top pick Andrew Bogut unsure about playing future
After 15 years in professional basketball, Andrew Bogut is close to making a decision on when to end his career. The new coronavirus and subsequent postponement of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo isn’t making it any easier.
The 35-year-old Bogut, a 2005 No. 1 draft pick by Milwaukee and who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, was planning to retire after playing for Australia at the Tokyo Games in three months. Those games have been delayed until July 2021.
But Bogut, who has played for Sydney in the National Basketball League the past two seasons, isn’t sure he can take the training and discipline needed to go another year.
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April 18
Pistons say Sekou Doumbouya back in France to be closer to family
The Detroit Pistons confirmed Saturday that rookie Sekou Doumbouya is back in France while NBA play is on hold because of the coronavirus crisis.
The league recommended players avoid non-essential travel, but players — in concert with their team — could choose to go to another city and stay there. International travel could lead to logistical concerns if play resumes and a player faces hurdles returning to the U.S.
A Pistons spokesman said the team is aware that the 19-year-old Doumbouya is in France, and that he left to be closer to family during this pandemic.
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April 17
NBA, NBPA reach deal on pay reduction
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced today that they have reached agreement on the method for reducing player compensation in the event of a permanent cancellation of 2019-20 regular season or playoff games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this agreement, and in order to provide players with a more gradual salary reduction schedule, partial reductions of 25% will begin with the players’ twice-a-month payment due on May 15.
The CBA stipulates that the compensation of all NBA roster players shall be reduced in the event of a “force majeure” event, such as an epidemic or government order, in accordance with a formula based on the number of games missed.
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NBA, WNBA to sell face coverings, donate funds
The National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Fanatics, which operates e-commerce for both leagues, today announced that all league proceeds from the sales of new cloth face coverings featuring NBA and WNBA team and league logos will benefit Feeding America in the U.S. and Second Harvest in Canada. The product launch follows the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendation that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The face coverings, manufactured by FOCO and Industry Rag, will be available on NBAStore.com and WNBAStore.com and feature league logos as well as designs for all 30 NBA and 12 WNBA teams.
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April 16
LeBron staying ready while focusing on his family
Last week, some of us reporters that cover the Lakers had a chance to speak with LeBron James on Zoom. Going into the chat, one thing I was curious about was how he thought the hiatus was impacting his body, and what he was able to do to try and stay in shape.
That was on my mind when considering the impact of this now month-long, and counting, layoff. Is it possible it’s a good thing for him to be getting rest on his legs? Or does that just disrupt the physical rhythm he’d been building that would be harder to get back?
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April 15
Ernie Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discuss coronavirus
Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joins Ernie Johnson to talk about how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted his life. Civic leader Marc Morial also joins the show to discuss the National Urban League teaming up with the NBA to support health and economic equity in communities of color.
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Kings G Cory Joseph donates face shields to Toronto hospital workers
Sacramento Kings guard Cory Joseph and his family are donating face shields through Operation Canadian Shield to help protect thousands of frontline workers in hospitals providing care for COVID-19 patients in his native city of Toronto, Ontario. Joseph and family have teamed up with fellow Canadian and Kings chief of staff and assistant coach Roy Rana, Frontier, Sunnybrook Foundation and University Health Network to coordinate this effort.
“It is heartbreaking to witness the effects of this pandemic around the world, so I wanted to do my part to help where I grew up,” said Joseph. “The courageous work of the hospital community is admirable, and it is important to help protect them. I look forward to providing support in Toronto along with upcoming community efforts throughout Canada and Sacramento as we fight this virus together.”
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John Collins joins Sharecare’s Shots for Heroes Initiative
Atlanta Hawks star and Sharecare ambassador John Collins and the Hawks Foundation have donated to Sharecare’s “Shots for Heroes” initiative, which is providing immunity-boosting juice shots to local healthcare workers and first responders battling COVID-19 in Atlanta.
Sharecare teamed up with Kale Me Crazy to deliver two of its super juice shots – The Wellness Shot (ginger, oil of oregano, garlic extract, turmeric, cayenne, lemon) and The Painkiller (ginger, lime, turmeric, raw honey) – directly to those heroes to boost both their immune systems and their spirits.
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Steve Clifford Continues Magic’s Aid to Those Impacted by Coronavirus
Magic coach Steve Clifford recently made a monetary donation to the Heart of Florida United Way for their fund to support Central Florida residents whose financial stability is being impacted by the coronavirus, reports John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. The focus of the fund is to support the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population who are experiencing hardships due to decreased hours or unpaid leave.
“Our organization’s thoughts are with everyone impacted during this unprecedented time,’’ Clifford said.
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April 14
Popovich gives pep talk to San Antonio Food Bank
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich made a much-needed call to encourage the staff of the San Antonio Food Bank just days after it fed a staggering 10,000 households in a single distribution in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Per the San Antonio Express-News, the event left workers “exhausted” and the Bank, which is seeking millions in aide from the Texas state government, in serious need of donations.
“It was pretty sweet, pretty special,” Food Bank president and CEO Eric Cooper told the newspaper. “He said, ‘We are just entertainers playing a sport that doesn’t mean much, but you guys are serving the community. Our staff and volunteers really appreciated it.”
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Westbrook donates 650 laptops to Houston schools
Rockets guard Russell Westbrook is doing his part to ensure students in the Houston area can continue their education during the coronavirus pandemic. Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation partnered with local non-profit Comp-U-Dopt to donate 650 laptops to students.
The gesture, which was announced by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, is meant to help close the digital divide and allow students to access their classwork from home.
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April 13
Pistons owner Gores buys 100,000 PPE masks for city of Detroit
Pistons owner Tom Gores and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Monday that Gores purchased 100,000 PPE masks for deployment and use by the City of Detroit.
The surgical-grade masks will be provided to Detroit police officers, firefighters, bus drivers and other city workers serving the public in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“First responders and city workers are on the front line of this crisis and they need our support now more than ever,” said Gores. “I’m proud of the way people are coming together.”
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Mother of Wolves’ Towns dies due to COVID-19
The mother of Karl-Anthony Towns — Jacqueline Towns — passed away on Monday due to complications from COVID-19, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced in a statement from a Towns family spokesperson.
“The Towns family is heartbroken by the untimely passing of Jacqueline Towns due to complications as a result of COVID-19,” the statement reads. “Jackie, as she was affectionately known among family and friends, had been battling the virus for more than a month when she succumbed on April 13th.”
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April 10
Players, NBA family finding ways to stay connected
As the NBA hiatus continues amid the coronavirus pandemic, players are getting creative when it comes to finding ways to fill their time. Video games, social media and Q&A segments have been popular options for players without basketball on the calendar.
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Dieng joins fight against COVID-19
Tough times call for resolute measures and the current pandemic has Memphis Grizzlies big man Gorgui Dieng committed to being part of the solution to stop COVID-19 in its tracks and give a hand to those vulnerable in his home country of Senegal.
The Gorgui Dieng Foundation founded in 2015 is providing protective equipment intended for health personnel like protective gowns, facial masks, antiseptic products and meal kits.
Speaking with FIBA.basketball, Dieng said, “I have the privilege of being an influencer for so many people, especially those in Senegal. With that comes a responsibility to do the right thing, and that involves helping the less fortunate. It is imperative that I lead by example during these uncertain and difficult times.”
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Bucks establish emergency relief fund to assist part-time employees
The Milwaukee Bucks have established an Emergency Relief Fund for Fiserv Forum’s part-time employees in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Bucks Emergency Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and with support of the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation, will also provide financial relief for part-time employees of Levy, Fiserv Forum’s food and beverage provider; ABM, the arena’s housekeeping employer; Reef Parking and SP+, the Deer District’s parking partners; and Menominee Nation Arena, home of the Bucks’ G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, during this unprecedented time.
So far, the Bucks have provided $500,000 in financial assistance to the part-time employees, with an additional $500,000 forthcoming through the Emergency Relief Fund. As announced last month, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton each contributed $100,000, which was followed by all Bucks players committing to donate to the relief effort. Bucks ownership is matching all player donations.
“Our part-time arena staff is there for us day in and day out, and we want to be there for them during this tumultuous time,” said Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry. “We are thankful for the generous financial support by every Bucks player, team management and team ownership for these deserving employees, and we will look to continue to raise additional funds for this relief effort.”
Those interested in donating to the Bucks Emergency Relief Fund please visit, Bucks.com/EmergencyReliefFund.
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April 9
Marbury looking to lend hand to NYC
Former NBA star Stephon Marbury, who is trying to send much-needed masks to New York City from China, discusses how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted his life and what he’s trying to do to help the United States during this time.
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April 8
LeBron: No closure unless we can finish the season
Instead of preparing for a playoff run, LeBron James is mostly spending the spring playing hoops with his teenage sons and enjoying tea time with his young daughter.
And when he isn’t binge-watching “Tiger King” with his wife, he is scanning the news for information on whether the coronavirus pandemic will allow the Los Angeles Lakers to finish their impressive season chasing an NBA championship.
James is still optimistic about the Lakers’ future, but he also knows safety comes first.
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Kings players donate over 1,000 meals to local community
Sacramento Kings players Harrison Barnes, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Aaron Fox and Richaun Holmes are teaming up to support several local restaurants and donate more than 1,000 meals to families and children in need due to the COVID-19 health crisis throughout the Sacramento community during April. The idea for this donation was initiated by Holmes, rooted in his desire to give back to the community during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.
“Since coming to Sacramento I have experienced firsthand how our community is truly one big family, so my teammates and I are committed to looking out for those in need and lending a helping hand,” said Holmes. “I am very thankful for my teammates in joining me to help bring smiles to others and get through this time together.”
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April 6
Hornets announce multi-faceted plan to help in COVID-19 relief
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation has initiated a multi-faceted response to assist with local relief efforts through financial contributions, employee volunteerism and online resources.
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation will be contributing a total of $250,000 to the emergency relief efforts. This includes $100,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund established by United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation For The Carolinas, along with $25,000 each to three local nonprofit organizations to assist in immediate needs caused by COVID-19 – Carolina Farm Trust and Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund in the home market of the Hornets’ NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Additionally, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation has pledged another $75,000 to to-be-determined future needs resulting from COVID-19, which will be granted prior to the end of 2020.
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April 4
Governor grateful of NBA contributing 1 million masks
The NBA is contributing 1 million surgical masks for New York’s essential workers, as stated publicly by New York governor Andrew Cuomo. The league is partnering with the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and China’s Consul General Huang Ping to help make this desperately needed contribution happen. “New York thanks you,” Cuomo tweeted. “We are beyond grateful for this gift of critically needed PPE.” The personal protective equipment for essential workers comes at a necessary time with so many masks in demand. New York remains the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic and has a total of 113,704 COVID-19 cases as of Saturday afternoon.
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April 3
Pandemic forcing NBA players to adjust workouts
Giannis Antetokounmpo is spending much of his time during the coronavirus-imposed hiatus working out, helping care for his newborn son and playing occasional video games.
What the reigning MVP isn’t doing very often is shooting baskets since the NBA has closed team practice facilities.
“I don’t have access to a hoop,” the Milwaukee Bucks forward said Friday during a conference call. “A lot of NBA players might have a court in their house or something, I don’t know, but now I just get my home workouts, [go] on the bike, treadmill, lift weights, stay sharp that way.”
The hiatus is forcing thousands of athletes, pro and otherwise, to work out from home as they try to keep in shape. Equipment varies from player to player, too.
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April 2
NBA coaches waiting, wondering and planning
Orlando’s Steve Clifford figures he’s like every other NBA coach right now: Wake up, go to whatever now serves as the office, study his own team, maybe think about possible opponents, and resume planning.
Of course, nobody knows what they’re planning for — or when these plans will get used.
A stoppage in play doesn’t mean vacation time has arrived for NBA coaches, especially those like Clifford in position to take their teams to the postseason — assuming this pandemic-interrupted season is able to resume. They’re all spending more time at home, not able to run practices, but none seem to be sitting idly either.
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76ers step up efforts to assist during pandemic
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Philadelphia 76ers managing partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer have stepped up to help their communities in the areas of hunger relief, education and supporting the medical community with multi-million dollar commitments to organizations across the cities of Philadelphia, Camden and Newark.
“As so many around the country look to their neighbors for help, I’m proud of the Sixers for being a part of our city’s unified COVID-19 response effort.” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney told NBA.com. “Their support for the most vulnerable in Philadelphia — providing technology for children learning at home, meals to people experiencing hunger, and aid for healthcare workers on the front lines of the crisis — is an example of not just corporate citizenship, but of brotherly love.”
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April 1
Nets players have recovered from virus
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks confirmed on Wednesday that the four Nets players who tested positive for the new coronavirus have recovered and are now symptom free. The entire Nets travel party underwent a 14-day home isolation after the team announced the positive test results on March 17.
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March 31
Chapman rasing money for coronavirus relief
Rex Chapman, who has built a massive following on Twitter with his humorous “Block or Charge” tweets, is working to mobilize his 627,000 followers to help raise money for coronavirus relief efforts.
The Rex Chapman Foundation, which normally is focused on fighting the opioid drug epidemic, has partnered with the Bluegrass Community Foundation to create the Rex Chapman Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund to raise money to go to any non-profit organizations that are “providing support and aid to those impacted by COVID-19 nationally.”
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NBA 2K Players Tournament to air on ESPN
Kevin Durant and Trae Young will lead a 16-player field of NBA players in an NBA 2K20 tournament airing on ESPN.
The NBA, the players’ association and 2K announced the NBA 2K Players Tournament on Tuesday. Play begins Friday, and the winner of the week-long competition will receive a $100,000 donation to a coronavirus-related relief effort of their choice.
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March 30
Rescheduled Tokyo Games to open July 23, 2021
The Tokyo Olympics will open next year in the same time slot scheduled for this year’s games.
Tokyo organizers said Monday the opening ceremony will take place on July 23, 2021 — almost exactly one year after the games were due to start this year.
“The schedule for the games is key to preparing for the games,” Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori said. “This will only accelerate our progress.”
USA Basketball was widely expected to send a loaded roster of NBA talent prior to the postponement.
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March 29
Celtics’ Smart says he has been cleared of COVID-19
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been cleared of the coronavirus, he announced Sunday on Twitter.
Smart reportedly had few to no symptoms after testing positive several weeks, with Celtics coach Brad Stevens telling ESPN his player was “doing great” earlier this week.
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March 28
Knicks owner James Dolan tests positive for COVID-19
The Madison Square Garden Company Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Dolan has tested positive for coronavirus.
Dolan has been in self-isolation and is experiencing little to no symptoms. He continues to oversee business operations.
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Ballmer Group donates $25 million for COVID-19 relief
After its $10 million donation this week to the University of Washington Medicine’s emergency response fund, a philanthropic group founded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, says it has pledged more than $25 million thus far toward organizations working to blunt the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The Ballmer Group said its latest donation toward the healthcare system in Seattle, where the Ballmers live, will be used to accelerate testing for a virus vaccine.
“Testing is the most immediate priority right now as we try to reduce community spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Paul Ramsey, UW Medicine’s chief executive. “Private philanthropy, like Connie and Steve Ballmer’s extraordinary gift, is critical to expanding testing at the speed and scale required to save lives. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership during this crisis.”
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Celtics coach adjusting to NBA’s virus-imposed stoppage
Celtics coach Brad Stevens can only remember leaving his home on a few occasions over the past two weeks.
It is part of the new status quo for coaches and players across the NBA since the coronavirus pandemic sparked a rolling shutdown of professional sports across the globe. The league suspended its season March 11 after Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert became its first player to test positive for the COVID-19 strain.
It has left the 42-year-old coach, like everyone else, searching for ways to adjust to a new reality and daily routine.
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March 27
Anthony Davis, Lineage Logistics unite to aid L.A. community
NBA superstar Anthony Davis today announced a partnership with Lineage Logistics (“Lineage”), the world’s largest and most innovative provider of temperature-controlled food logistics, on two community initiatives to support the Los Angeles community in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
Together, the Anthony Davis Family Foundation and Lineage announced a $250,000 matching donation commitment to support the launch of the “Help Feed the Frontline Fighting COVID 19 – LA” campaign, which was launched by a group of local Los Angeles parents. In partnership with Chef Brooke Williamson of Playa Provisions, the campaign is sourcing food from Los Angeles restaurants and providing healthy, free meals to the brave men and women working at regional hospitals treating those infected by the COVID 19 virus.
Davis and Lineage are also partnering with AEG, to offer employment opportunities to all STAPLES Center event team members who are unable to work due the COVID-19 pandemic. Through AEG, Lineage is offering STAPLES Center team members additional employment opportunities while STAPLES is not holding events by helping connect them to fill an additional 260 open jobs for which Lineage is hiring in the Los Angeles area.
“We all need to find ways to support our community during these challenging times. Whether it’s the people we work with, the small businesses trying to stay afloat, or the healthcare workers putting themselves in harm’s way to treat the sick, we’ve got to give our support however we can. I appreciate Lineage Logistics stepping up and partnering with me to help launch these programs and look out for our STAPLES Center team,” said Anthony Davis.
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Miami Heat, Lineage Logistics pledge funding for hunger relief
The Miami HEAT has partnered with Lineage Logistics and Feeding America®, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. The HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation have pledged a $200,000 donation to Feeding South Florida, the local member of the Feeding America® network, which services Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Lineage Logistics will match that $200,000 donation allowing Feeding South Florida to immediately help those affected by COVID-19.
The goal of the partnership is to raise awareness for Lineage Logistics’ Share A Meal campaign, which aims to help provide 100 million meals in response to COVID-19 and to help ensure no family or child goes hungry during this global pandemic. In addition, Lineage Logistics, which operates several warehouses in South Florida, has committed to hiring between 20 to 40 AmericanAirlines Arena event staffers who are currently sidelined due to the postponement of HEAT games and Arena events.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an enormous and stressful toll on lives of people across the globe,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “Many of our friends and neighbors in South Florida are rightfully worried about putting food on the table. By joining forces with Lineage Logistics and Feeding South Florida, we hope to ease that burden.”
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Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell cleared of coronavirus
The first two NBA players to test positive for the new coronavirus have been cleared of it.
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell both confirmed they were positive for the coronavirus on March 11 via posts on social media. Those two, as well as the rest of the Jazz’s roster and personnel, were cleared by the Utah Department of Health on Friday, the team said in a statement.
March 26
Steph Curry does virtual Q&A with Dr. Anthony Fauci
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry spoke with infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Instagram Live on Thursday. Fauci answered a variety of Curry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the difference between the disease and the flu, the importance of social distancing and what America needs to do to regain normalcy.
WNBA Draft 2020 to be virtual next month
The WNBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm will be held on April 17 as scheduled. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA will conduct a virtual draft without players, guests, and media. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET, and top prospects will take part remotely. The draft will also be available on the ESPN App.
During the draft, the WNBA will honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester – who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26. The WNBA also plans to honor the late Kobe Bryant, a passionate advocate of the league, at the draft and during the upcoming season.
The league is conducting ongoing scenario planning around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the upcoming season, including the currently scheduled start of training camp on April 26 and the scheduled tip of the WNBA season on May 15, and will provide updates regarding any changes to key dates.
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March 25
Towns makes emotional plea
Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns revealed that his mother is seriously ill and it could be from the coronavirus. In a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday morning, Towns revealed that his mother is in a medically induced coma and had to be put on a ventilator after showing COVID-19 symptoms.
“[My family] told me to make this video so that people understand that the severity of this disease is real,” Towns said in his video. “This disease needs to not be taken lightly. Please protect your families, your loved ones, your friends, yourself. Practice social distancing. Please don’t be in places with a lot of people; it just heightens your chances of getting this disease, and this disease … it’s deadly. It’s deadly. And we’re going to keep fighting on my side, me and my family, we’re going to keep fighting this. We’re going to beat it; we’re going to win.”
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March 24
NBA, NBPA contribute to coronavirus relief efforts
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are working together during the coronavirus pandemic to help in relief efforts. The NBA and the NBPA announced Tuesday they are contributing $2 million to support ongoing coronavirus relief efforts around the globe. Of that $2 million, $1 million will go to benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, Crisis Text Line, Direct Relief, Share Our Strength and others.
The NBPA Foundation’s player matching grant program and new web-based resource platform will help players maximize their charitable giving as well.
As part of NBA Together, the NBA family is committed to contributing and helping raise more than $50 million to support people impacted by the coronavirus and community and healthcare organizations providing vital services around the world, which includes the more than $30 million financial commitment already made by NBA and WNBA teams and players to date.
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Report: Embiid donates $500K to help relief efforts, team employees
Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid is reportedly donating $500,000 to help with COVID-19 relief efforts and to help survival and protection efforts in the city’s community. He is also, per reports, willing to help team employees who are reducing their salary during the pandemic.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Embiid’s $500,000 donation will go toward health and medical relief. The amount Embiid will be giving to team employees will be based upon who is affected.
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March 23
Blazers launch COVID-19 relief fund and ‘Virtual Resource Center’
The Trail Blazers Foundation is establishing a COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local nonprofits serving the community. The funds raised will go to nonprofits who are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, including supporting the Oregon Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Pooled Fund. In addition, the organization created a virtual Resource Center to connect community members to helpful resources in the greater Portland Area as well as some support available across Oregon and even virtually.
“We are proud of our community for stepping up to support one another in this time of crisis,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We are committed to using our platform to both raise funds and connect people to the resources they need during these challenging times.”
If you are in a position to help others, please visit trailblazers.com/donate to learn about ways you can support the Trail Blazers Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. Donations are tax deductible.
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Irving donates $323K to help provide meals
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is doing what he can to help families who are struggling to put meals on the table amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Instagram post published Monday, Irving wrote that he is partnering with Feeding America and other organizations “to help marginalized communities get the food resources they require during this time,” including donating $323,000 to Feeding America. Lineage Logistics will match up to $200,000 in donations as well.
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Magic’s Isaac commits to helping feed kids
Orlando forward Jonathan Isaac announced on Sunday he is teaming with a local church to provide breakfast and lunch for school kids for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. Isaac will also help families receive one box of non-perishable food items per week.
“There’s a great concern to those kids going hungry at this time. We don’t want that to happen,” Isaac said.
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March 21
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver still seeking answers
Adam Silver said Saturday the league is considering all options — best-case, worst-case and countless ideas in between — as it tries to come to grips with this new normal. But definitive answers on any front are in short supply.
So far, there are 14 people within the NBA community, including at least 10 players, known to have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those positive tests, seven became known publicly on Thursday and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics revealed that he has the virus.
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March 20
Cuban, Doncic, Powell donate $500K to healthcare workers
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that proprietor Mark Cuban, guard Luka Dončić and center Dwight Powell have teamed up with the Dallas Mavericks Foundation to donate $500,000 to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital. Funds will be allocated to support childcare for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response effort during this unprecedented time.
“We can’t thank our healthcare workers enough for putting their patients’ well-being before their own,” said Cuban. “I am thankful to Luka and Dwight as we partner up to support healthcare workers who are doing everything they can to keep our community healthy.”
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March 19
Blazers commit more than $1.4M towards COVID-19 relief efforts
To assist game night employees impacted by the NBA’s postponement, Jody Allen and the Portland Trail Blazers are committing more than $1.4M towards COVID-19 relief efforts. This includes paying part-time Rose Quarter employees for 9 postponed Trail Blazers games.
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2 Los Angeles Lakers players test positive for COVID-19
Following four Brooklyn Nets players testing positive for COVID-19, because Los Angeles Lakers’ players were exposed to them during our game against the Nets on March 10, our team physicians and public health officials recommended coronavirus testing for the players.
We learned Thursday that two Lakers players have tested positive. Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician.
All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter-at-home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team.
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Boston Celtics player tests positive for COVID-19
The Boston Celtics learned Thursday that a player has tested positive for COVID-19. Testing was initiated because of exposure to a known positive case.
The Celtics player, who is not exhibiting symptoms, has been in isolation for several days and will continue to do so while being monitored by team medical staff. The team is awaiting further testing results and will communicate them as appropriate.
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Several members of 76ers test positive for COVID-19
The Philadelphia 76ers, in consultation with medical experts and the NBA, received the recommendation that certain individuals from the organization, including players, coaches and specific basketball operations support staff, be tested for COVID-19. The tests were secured and processed privately.
Three individuals have received positive test results for COVID-19. All other tests results are currently negative. We have reported this information to state and local health authorities as required.
Pursuant to CDC guidelines, the individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals.
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Devin Booker tips off Twitch fundraising campaign with $100K donation
Devin Booker, in partnership with Phoenix Suns Charities, will raise money through livestreaming on Twitch to support non-profits that best serve the needs of the most vulnerable in the community. An avid gamer and NBA All-Star, Booker pledged $100,000 to tip off the giving campaign on Twitch and Phoenix Suns Charities will match that initial donation.
As the enormous impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, Booker and the Phoenix Suns Charities Board of Directors will continue to coordinate with public health experts, local officials and other community partners to determine where support is needed most.
“With countless people around the globe turning to streaming to get their mind off things, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness and help those in need at the same time,” said Booker. “These are trying times that transcend basketball and I would like to call on everyone to be good teammates as we deal with this challenge together.”
Additional donations can be made through Devin’s Twitch Channel:Twitch.tv/DBook
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Member of Nuggets tests positive for COVID-19
On Thursday, March 19th, a member of the Denver Nuggets organization tested positive for COVID-19. The person, who was tested after experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 on March 16th, is currently under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation. The testing was undertaken following guidance from state public health officials and team physicians.
The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout our league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount.
The Nuggets will continue to work in coordination with team physicians, public health officials and infectious disease experts, while focusing on the health and safety of everyone in our community.
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March 18
Silver: NBA considering many ideas if play can resume
In a wide-ranging ESPN interview, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league is considering an idea where some players would be quarantined or isolated for purposes of being able to compete against one another and provide basketball fans with some sort of diversion from the coronavirus pandemic.
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Love: Time for players to ‘be more than just athletes’
Kevin Love joined the “Today Show” on Wednesday to discuss the importance of giving back and reaching out during these uncertain times. The 5-time All-Star was one of the first players to pledge a donation to go towards part-time arena employees who will be affected by the stoppage in play.
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Thunder players, staff test negative
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Wednesday that the team consulted with infectious disease experts to determine which Thunder players and staff required COVID-19 testing based on their exposure to the virus at the game on March 11. All results from the testing came back negative.
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March 17
Durant among 4 Nets players to test positive
Four Brooklyn Nets players, including Kevin Durant, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA.
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Timberwolves create $1 million fund
The Minnesota Timberwolves organization, led by Glen Taylor, announced the donation of $1 million to create a relief fund for part-time gameday staff at Target Center. The fund will provide financial assistance to hundreds of part-time employees affected by the loss of games.
Jazz’s Mitchell says he’s asymptomatic
In the days since he tested positive for the new coronavirus, Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell says he has not experience any symptoms of the pandemic.
Mitchell did his first public interview since he tested positive for coronavirus on March 12, speaking to ABC’s Robyn Roberts during the March 16 edition of “Good Morning America.” In that interview, Mitchell repeatedly said he showed no symptoms or signs of the virus and has been in quarantine ever since being diagnosed.
“The biggest thing for me is just to stay in isolation and just keep to myself,” Mitchell said. “I have no symptoms, which is a unique situation.”
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DeVos Family donates $2 million to hourly workers
The owners of the Orlando Magic announced the establishment of a $2-million fund to help compensate the hourly workers affected by the loss of games in Orlando.
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Pelicans owner creates $1 million fund for New Orleans
Gayle Benson donated $1 million on Monday to create the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund, which will help affected workers in the New Orleans area. In addition to this donation, an Arena Assistance Fund has been created to provide relief to game-night employees.
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Karl-Anthony Towns donates $100,000 to Mayo Clinic
Timberwolves Center Karl-Anthony Towns announced Sunday he will be donating $100,000 to Mayo Clinic, which has begun rolling out a test to detect the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Our team has been working around the clock for the past month to develop a test for COVID-19,” says Dr. William Morice II, chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. “We are blown away by Karl’s gesture to help us fast-track offering testing to more patients across Minnesota and the nation.”
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Gobert donates $500,000 to part-time employees, COVID-19-related services in U.S., France
The Utah Jazz announced Saturday that Rudy Gobert is donating more than $500,000 to support both the employee relief fund at Vivint Smart Home Arena and COVID-related social services relief in Utah, Oklahoma City and within the French health care system.
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March 14
Curry family donates to food bank
Stephen Curry announced on Saturday that his Eat.Learn.Play foundation is donating to the Alameda Food Bank to help over 18,000 students who rely on school meals each day.
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Reports: Pistons’ Wood tests positive
Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood has reportedly tested positive for the virus, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Pistons confirmed that a player had tested positive, but did not name the player. Wood has yet to comment on the report.
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March 13
Raptors travel party tests negative
The Toronto Raptors announced on Friday that their entire travel party had tested negative for the coronavirus. The Raptors were tested on Wednesday after returning from a road trip, which included matchup against the Jazz.
