Image by Carson Ming, Photo & Visual Editor

By Niles Garrison, Features Editor

The act of giving back is something the NBA strives for. NBA Cares is one of the main programs the NBA has to address social issues and help people around the world. Statistics on their website show the program has created over 2,200 places where kids and families can live and learn, 6.5 million hours of hands-on service, and 60 million youth engaged in basketball programs around the world.

“The NBA Cares moment, interacting with fans, it’s NBA All-Star Weekend and I am blessed to experience it,” Clippers guard James Harden said when asked about the highlights of his weekend.

Within NBA Cares lies the players, who are the driving force for the program. NBA Cares can only do so much, but the players creating their own foundations and hosting events provide a level of social impact and create a cycle of continuous community service.

“As hard as it is in this society to love thy neighbor, you have to be able to filter through that and help one another,” Irving said. “There are a lot of communities that aren’t seen or heard, and it is good to know that I have a purpose in helping them.”

Kyrie Irving, Dallas’ star guard, is a prime example of what the NBA wants in its players. Irving has created foundations for financially supporting WNBA players in 2020 during the pandemic, donated to Flint, Michigan, foundations to assist them in their lead water crisis, and donated to countries in need of more schools and shelters.

“I try to maintain that one-for-all mentality where if I’m doing my best and at my best, then that in turn allows others to be at their best,” Irving said.

Tyler Herro, a Miami Heat All-Star, is one of the many young players to help the ones who assisted him on his journey. Going from his hometown Milwaukee to Miami has been a huge culture shift. Regardless, Herro wants to be a leader and advocate with his T Herro Foundation.

Herro’s basketball camps and golf outings are some of the events he has organized.

“I love all my events,” Herro said. “No matter whether it’s in Miami or back home in Milwaukee, I have wanted to give back to my community since I have been in the league.”

Cleveland star guard Darius Garland has a supreme love for both cities he considers home. Garland has thrived as the Cavaliers’ starting guard for six seasons, although he does not make it to where he is today without his family and loved ones back in Gary, Indiana. His Darius Garland Foundation continues to aid both of his homes and organizations that serve youth, such as the Boys and Girls Club.

“I do a lot of things with the Boys and Girls Club,” Garland said. “I used to be in it so giving back to them is important to me.”

To represent their country on a grand stage is like no other thrill. Team USA has spoken wonders about what it meant to represent their country in the Paris Olympics so for Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, the ability to represent Cameroon in the NBA for 9 years is a blessing. Founded by Siakam, the PS43 Foundation looks to empower their over 3,000 youth through education. With collaborations with Dell Technologies and other technology companies, the PS43 Foundation offers data science, coding and cybersecurity programs.

“I love giving back, it’s something I’m really passionate about,” Siakam said. “We are STEM-focused and just giving back to the community.”

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, who attended the University of California, Berkeley, had a reunion with the West Coast during the 2025 All-Star Weekend. After launching “Oakland XChange” in Summer 2024 to bridge the racial wealth gap, he and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd announced the purchase of a building to serve as a business incubator. The facility will provide mentorship and connect early-stage companies in the Oakland area with investors.

NBA Cares takes every advantage to give back and with pro basketball players backing them, communities can fulfill their dreams and aspirations.