Ever since David Stern took over as commissioner, the NBA has been at the front of social justice fights among the nation’s top-flight leagues.
The Association has taken part in multiple initiatives and its players and coaches have been quite vocal regarding social issues, a trend that’s only gotten more obvious over the past couple of years.
That’s why commissioner Adam Silver and the league decided to found a new award in honor of lifelong social justice advocate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, giving away $100,000 for charity on behalf of the player who wins the award:
“The NBA has founded the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, that will recognize a current NBA player for pursuing social justice & upholding values of equality, respect & inclusion. The winner will select an org to receive a $100,000 contribution on his behalf,” Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported.
The NBA has founded the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, that will recognize a current NBA player for pursuing social justice & upholding values of equality, respect & inclusion. Winner will select an org to receive a $100,000 contribution on his behalf.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 13, 2021
Multiple names come to mind as early favorites to win this award, such as Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and, of course, LeBron James.
The NBA is once again trying to make amends with its players following last season’s controversy and the player’s decision not to play, as they made a commitment to force team owners to get involved in social justice pledges.
It seems like there will finally be a more important award than the MVP. This means more and gives the player another platform and even more money to help out those who need them the most.
