Video: Dikembe Mutombo tribute video (Credit: NBA Africa)
NBA AFRICA CREATES ANNUAL DIKEMBE MUTOMBO
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
- New Award Will be Given Out Annually to Individuals and Organizations Making Exceptional Contributions to Humanitarian Efforts -
- NBA Africa Will Donate 55 Basketball Courts to Communities on the Continent
in Honor of Mutombo and His Iconic Jersey Number -
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 2025 – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today announced the creation of the NBA Africa Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award, a new annual honor that will recognize a person or an organization that works to advance health, education or economic opportunity across the continent of Africa.
The award is named after the late four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who served as the NBA’s first global ambassador following his retirement from the league in 2009.
Silver also announced that NBA Africa will donate 55 courts to local communities on the continent in honor of Mutombo and his iconic jersey number, beginning in his native Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo where he first discovered his love for the game. The courts will feature a distinct design inspired by Mutombo and contribute to NBA Africa’s commitment of building 1,000 courts on the continent over the next decade.
The announcement was made at the 10th annual NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon in San Francisco, Calif. as part of NBA All-Star 2025. The award will be presented annually beginning at next year’s luncheon, with the recipient receiving a financial grant to further their humanitarian efforts and a donation from NBA Africa to a charity of their choice.
“Dikembe devoted his life to helping others and brought joy to so many people across Africa and around the world,” said Silver. “This new award and the basketball courts built in his name will honor Dikembe’s extraordinary legacy as a global humanitarian.”
Selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft, Mutombo spent 18 years in the NBA during which time he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league in blocked shots three times and becoming the second-leading shot blocker in NBA history. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Recognized for his philanthropic and humanitarian work, Mutombo was a recipient of many awards, including the Congressional Humanitarian Award (2013), John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Goodermote Humanitarian Award (2011), Laureus World Sports Award (2010), John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award (2010) and the U.S. President’s Service Award (2000). A general hospital he built in Kinshasa and named in memory of his late mother, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, opened its doors to the public in 2007.
NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 17 FINALISTS
FOR CLASS OF 2025 ELECTION
- The 2008 US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird and
Maya Moore Among First-Time Finalists -
SAN FRANCISCO (February 14, 2025) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today at NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 the selection of 17 Finalists from the following committees: North American, Women’s, Men’s Veterans, Women’s Veterans, International, and Contributors.
The Finalists will then be put forward to the Honors Committee to be considered for election as members of the Class of 2025. The new class will be announced in San Antonio on Saturday, April 5, at the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
North American Committee Finalists (in alphabetical order):
- 2008 US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team
- Carmelo Anthony [Player]
- Danny Crawford [Referee]
- Billy Donovan [Coach]
- Mark Few [Coach]
- Dwight Howard [Player]
- Marques Johnson [Player]
- Jerry Welsh [Coach]
- Buck Williams [Player]
Women's Committee Finalists:
- Jennifer Azzi [Player]
- Sue Bird [Player]
- Sylvia Fowles [Player]
- Maya Moore [Player]
Women's Veteran Committee Finalist:
- Molly Bolin [Player]
International Committee Finalist:
- Dušan Ivković [Coach]
Contributors Committee Finalists:
- Micky Arison
- Tal Brody
“Selection as a Finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades—it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations, and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership, and dedication. Whether as players, coaches, teams, or contributors, each Finalist has left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary impact.”
Enshrinement Weekend will begin at the Mohegan Sun on Friday, September 5, with the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala, followed by the Enshrinement Ceremony the next day at Springfield’s historic Symphony Hall.
VIP packages for the 2025 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend are now available. Single-event tickets will go on sale on April 5, following the 2025 Class Announcement. For more information, visithoophall.com/events/
For the latest news and updates, follow @hoophall on X and Instagram.
North American Committee Finalists:
2008 US OLYMPIC MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM [Team] – The 2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team restored USA Basketball to global prominence under the leadership of Managing Director Jerry Colangelo, who rebuilt the program by securing multi-year commitments from NBA players. Capturing gold in Beijing with a perfect 8-0 record and average victory margin of 27.9 points, the squad featured co-captains Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, and Dwyane Wade, alongside LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Chris Bosh under Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski. The team, which earned its ‘Redeem Team’ moniker after USA's bronze medal finish in 2004, defeated Spain 118-107 in the gold medal game.
CARMELO ANTHONY [Player] – A 10-time NBA All-Star, Anthony was one of the most prolific scorers of his generation during his 19-year NBA career (2003-22). Selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003 after leading Syracuse to its first NCAA national championship in basketball as a freshman and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, Anthony averaged 22.5 points per game in his career and ranks 10th all-time in NBA scoring with 28,289 points. He earned All-NBA honors six times and won three Olympic gold medals (2008, '12, '16) as a key member of Team USA. Anthony led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13 (28.7). Anthony was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
DANNY CRAWFORD [Referee] – One of the NBA's most respected officials over his 32-year career (1985-2017), Crawford officiated over 2,000 regular season games, 300 playoff games, and 30 NBA Finals contests. He was selected to work the NBA Finals in 23 consecutive seasons, including his final game—Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals. Crawford worked many of the league's most significant games, including the 1992 Dream Team's first Olympic contest and multiple NBA All-Star Games. He served as a referee in the Missouri Valley Conference prior to making his NBA debut.
BILLY DONOVAN [Coach] – Donovan is a two-time NCAA national champion coach who achieved unparalleled success during his tenure at the University of Florida (1996-2015). He guided the Gators to consecutive national titles in 2006 and ‘07 and four Final Four appearances while recording over 500 total victories at Florida and Marshall (1994-96). After his collegiate success, Donovan transitioned to the NBA, coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20) and Chicago Bulls (2020-present) to over 400 wins. The former Providence College point guard under Hall of Famer Rick Pitino was named SEC Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
MARK FEW [Coach] – One of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, Few has led Gonzaga to two NCAA national championship game appearances (2017, '21) and 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths through 2024. He is the winningest active coach by percentage and has won at least 20 games in all 25 seasons with the Bulldogs. Few, who is the second fastest to 700 wins in NCAA Division I history, was named the Naismith Coach of the Year twice (2017, ‘21) and has won at least a share of 22 WCC regular-season titles and 19 WCC tournament championships. He has coached 22 All-Americans at Gonzaga and captured a gold medal as an assistant coach in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
DWIGHT HOWARD [Player] – A dominant force on both ends of the court, Howard was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2009-11), and earned eight All-NBA selections during his 18-year career. Known as “Superman,” he led the NBA in rebounding five times and blocks twice, ranking 10th all-time in NBA history in rebounds (14,627) and 13th in blocks (2,228). Howard led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and later won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. The 2008 Olympic gold medalist was the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft out of high school.
MARQUES JOHNSON [Player] – A five-time NBA All-Star (1979-81, '83, '86) and three-time All-NBA selection, including first-team accolades in 1978-79, Johnson averaged 20.1 points and 7.0 rebounds during his 11-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks (1977-84), Los Angeles Clippers (1984-87), and Golden State Warriors (1989-90). Selected third overall in the 1977 NBA Draft, Johnson played a key role in leading UCLA to the 1975 NCAA national championship under Hall of Fame coach John Wooden. Credited with pioneering the “point forward” role, Johnson helped the Bruins to a 98-10 record during his collegiate career and won the inaugural John Wooden Award in 1977. The Bucks retired his No. 8 jersey in 2019.
JERRY WELSH [Coach] – Welsh compiled a 494-141 record over 22 seasons as a head coach at SUNY Potsdam (1968-91), where he guided the Bears to the 1981 NCAA Division III national championship and three Final Four appearances (1979, ‘81, ‘86). Named the NABC Division III Coach of the Year twice (1981, ‘86), Welsh built a dominant program at Potsdam. His teams either won or shared the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) regular-season title in each of his final 15 seasons. From 1985 to 1987, SUNY Potsdam set a Division III record with 60 consecutive victories and went a dominant 254-13 at home. Welsh then went on to coach at Iona University for four seasons.
BUCK WILLIAMS [Player] – A three-time NBA All-Star (1982-83, '86), Williams ranks third in NBA history in offensive rebounds (4,526) and 16th in total rebounds (13,017). He earned four NBA All-Defensive Team honors and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1982. The third overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft following his All-American career at Maryland, Williams led the NBA in offensive rebounds in 1983-84 (355) and played in all 82 games in a season four times. Williams spent the first eight seasons of his 17-year career with the New Jersey Nets (1981-89) before being traded to Portland, where he helped lead the Trail Blazers to NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and ‘92. The Nets retired his #52 in 1999.
Women’s Committee Finalists:
JENNIFER AZZI [Player] – The 1990 Naismith College Player of the Year and Wade Trophy recipient, Azzi led Stanford to the 1990 NCAA national championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. She also excelled on the international stage, winning a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games and the 1990 and ’98 FIBA World Championships and playing four seasons abroad. Following her professional career overseas, Azzi co-founded the short-lived American Basketball League (ABL) before embarking on a five-year stint in the WNBA (1999-2003). In 2021, Azzi was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
SUE BIRD [Player] – Widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in basketball history, Bird is a four-time WNBA champion (2004, '10, '18, '20) who played 21 seasons with the Seattle Storm (2002-22). A record 13-time All-Star, Bird was recognized as one of the 25 greatest players in league history during the WNBA’s W25 celebration in 2021. She is the WNBA's all-time leader in wins (333), games played (580), assists (3,234), and minutes (18,079) and earned All-WNBA First-Team accolades on five occasions. Internationally, Bird won five Olympic gold medals and is a five-time FIBA World Cup medalist with Team USA. At UConn, Bird led the Huskies to two NCAA titles (2000, ‘02), won the Naismith Player of the Year award in 2002, and was the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft.
SYLVIA FOWLES [Player] – A four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA champion with the Minnesota Lynx (2015, ‘17), Fowles earned Finals MVP honors in both title runs. She retired as the WNBA's all-time leading rebounder (4,006) and was honored as part of the WNBA’s W25 celebration in 2021. The 2017 WNBA MVP was an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year (2011, ‘13, ‘16, ‘21) and finished her 15-year career averaging 15.7 points and 9.8 rebounds. Fowles was selected second overall in the 2008 draft after a stellar career at LSU, where she led the Tigers to four consecutive Final Four appearances. Fowles, who has her No. 34 retired by LSU and the Lynx.
MAYA MOORE [Player] – Moore led the Minnesota Lynx to four WNBA championships (2011, ‘13, ‘15, ‘17) during her seven-season career (2011-18) before stepping away from basketball to focus on criminal justice reform. A six-time All-Star, she also earned WNBA MVP honors in 2014, Finals MVP in 2013, and was named to the All-WNBA First Team five times. Moore was also recognized as one of the 25 greatest players in league history during the WNBA’s W25 celebration in 2021. The first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Moore starred at UConn, winning a pair of Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year honors (2009, ‘11), and led the Huskies to back-to-back undefeated seasons (2008-09, 2009-10) and two NCAA national championships. Internationally, she captured two Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016) and two FIBA World Cup golds (2014, ‘18).
Women’s Veteran Committee Finalists:
MOLLY BOLIN [Player] – A pioneering figure in women's professional basketball, Bolin was the first player signed in Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) history and became known as "Machine Gun” Molly for her prolific scoring ability. She led the Iowa Cornets to back-to-back WBL championship appearances (1979, 1980), set a single-game scoring record with 55 points on March 2, 1980, and earned the league’s co-MVP honors with Hall of Famer Anne Myers (Drysdale) in 1980. Bolin averaged 32.8 points in 1980-81, the highest professional scoring average ever by a woman at that time. She was inducted into the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Grand View College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.
International Committee Finalist:
DUŠAN IVKOVIĆ [Coach] - A former Serbian professional basketball player, Ivković’s coaching career spanned six decades and earned a number of prestigious honors, including being named one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors in 2008, a EuroLeague Basketball Legend in 2017, and being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017. He won two EuroLeague championships (1997, 2012) and led the Yugoslavia national team to an Olympic silver medal in 1988 and to a FIBA World Championship title in 1990. Ivković coached legendary European clubs including Partizan Belgrade, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid, winning multiple European championships, and coached a number of players who became NBA stars, including Dražen Petrović, Vlade Divac, and Predrag Stojaković.
Contributor Committee Finalists:
MICKY ARISON – Since acquiring the Miami Heat in 1995, Arison has led the franchise to three NBA championships (2006, '12, '13) and seven Eastern Conference titles. Under his ownership, the Heat have featured legendary players like Hall of Famers Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, and Dwyane Wade, and superstars LeBron James and Jimmy Butler. With Arison as owner, Pat Riley as team president, and Erik Spoelstra as head coach, the organization has become renowned for its culture of stability and success. Arison’s influence extends beyond the court through his philanthropic work and dedication to the Miami community.
TAL BRODY – A basketball ambassador across the globe for more than 50 years, Brody led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the 1977 FIBA European Champions Cup, marking the first time an Israeli team had won Europe's top club competition. A University of Illinois All-American in 1965, he was selected 12th overall in that year's NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets but opted to play in Israel. There, he made history as the country's first athlete to receive the Israel Prize, its highest civilian honor, in 1979. His No. 6 jersey was retired by Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won 10 Israeli League titles and six State Cups. He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, the U.S. Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
GEORGE BLAHA, CLARK KELLOGG, MICHELLE SMITH, AND ADRIAN WOJNAROWSKI NAMED RECIPIENTS OF NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME'S 2025 CURT GOWDY MEDIA AWARDS
– Jeff Twiss Named Recipient of 2025 John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award –
SAN FRANCISCO (February 14, 2025) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the recipients of the 2025 Curt Gowdy Media Award and John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award at NBA All-Star Weekend.
Legendary Detroit Pistons play-by-play announcer George Blaha, renowned CBS analyst Clark Kellogg, veteran women’s basketball writer Michelle Smith, and influential NBA journalist Adrian Wojnarowski are the 2025 Curt Gowdy Media Award recipients. Boston Celtics long-time Vice President of Media and Alumni Relations Jeff Twiss is the recipient of the 2025 John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Curt Gowdy Media Award is named in honor of the late Curt Gowdy, a legendary sports broadcaster and former Hall of Fame Board member and President. This prestigious award is presented to members of the print, electronic, and transformative media whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the game of basketball.
The Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award was instituted by the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees in 1973 and is the most prestigious award presented by the Hall of Fame outside of Enshrinement. Named in honor of Hall of Famer John W. Bunn (Class of 1964), the first chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame Committee who served from 1949-64, the award honors coaches, players, and contributors whose outstanding accomplishments have impacted the high school, college, professional, and/or the international game.
Blaha, Kellogg, Smith, Wojnarowski, and Twiss will be recognized for their contributions to basketball during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on September 5-6. For further details, including ticket information, visit hoophall.com/events/
Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award Recipient – George Blaha
George Blaha is a legendary sports broadcaster best known as the voice of the Detroit Pistons, a role he has held since 1976. In his nearly five decades behind the mic, Blaha has called over 3,400 regular-season games and over 260 playoff games.
Blaha has been behind the mic for the Pistons’ five Eastern Conference Championships, five NBA Finals appearances, and all three NBA Championships (1989, ’90, and 2004). His iconic play-by-play calls have made him a beloved figure among Detroit fans and cemented him as one of the most enduring and recognizable voices in the game.
His contributions to sports broadcasting have been widely recognized. In 2002, the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association, of which he is an active member, awarded Blaha the Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting. He was honored as the Michigan Sports Broadcaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2003 and '07, and in 2008 he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award Recipient – Clark Kellogg
Clark Kellogg is a renowned basketball analyst and former professional player, best known for his work as a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. Kellogg joined CBS Sports in 1993 and has been a part of its NCAA Tournament coverage for more than three decades. He served as studio co-host for early-round tournament coverage from 1994-97 before joining CBS Sports full time in 1997 as both a studio and game analyst for college basketball regular-season games and March Madness. His deep knowledge of the game, signature enthusiasm, and coining of ‘spurtability’ - describing a team’s ability to go on a substantial scoring run - have made him a fan favorite. In 2008, Kellogg replaced Billy Packer as CBS’s lead college basketball analyst, calling the Final Four and National Championship games alongside Jim Nantz until he returned to the studio in 2014.
Kellogg began his career in broadcasting shortly after ending his NBA career, signing on with his former team, the Indiana Pacers, as a radio analyst before making his television debut with Cleveland State University. In 1988, he joined ESPN, providing analysis for college basketball games and contributing to the Big East Network and Prime Sports. That same year, he became a TV analyst for the Pacers, a role he held until 2012.
Curt Gowdy Print Media Award Recipient – Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith is an esteemed sports journalist and author whose career has been dedicated to elevating women’s sports coverage. A trailblazer in the industry, Smith has written extensively on women’s basketball and other sports for ESPN, the San Francisco Chronicle, AOL Fanhouse, and ESPNw, among others.
In 1996, Smith made history as ESPN.com’s first regular women’s basketball columnist, shaping national coverage of the game. Her insightful reporting and compelling storytelling have spotlighted generations of athletes, coaches, and programs, contributing to the growth and visibility of women’s sports. Smith’s most notable accomplishments include her annual coverage of the Women’s Final Four basketball tournament for various outlets, including ESPN, The Next, and the WNBA. She has also penned four children’s books that have introduced young readers around the country to top female athletes and their inspiring stories.
In 2015, she was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame, was the 2017 recipient of the Jake Wade Media Award from the Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA), and was the Mel Greenberg Media Award winner by the WBCA in 2019. Smith was also inducted into the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Hall of Fame in 2024.
Smith currently serves as the Senior Director of Media Relations at her alma mater, San Jose State University.
Curt Gowdy Insight Award Recipient – Adrian Wojnarowski
Adrian Wojnarowski was a prominent sports journalist best known for his unparalleled NBA coverage and breaking news scoops, earning him the nickname "Woj." Wojnarowski began his career as a senior in high school, working for the Hartford Courant and continuing during his college breaks. In 1989, while attending St. Bonaventure University, he began interning with the Olean Times Herald, where the sports department tasked him with writing highly critical pieces about his university's basketball team. After graduating from college, he wrote for smaller newspapers before becoming a columnist for the Fresno Bee in 1995.
In 1997, he moved to The Record in New Jersey, where he earned the Associated Press Sports Editors’ Columnist of the Year award in 1997 and 2002. During that time, his work also appeared regularly on ESPN.com. In 2006, he published his New York Times bestseller, The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty, which further cemented his reputation as a storyteller.
In 2007, Wojnarowski left The Record and joined Yahoo! Sports, where his rapid-fire breaking news scoops, dubbed ‘Woj Bombs,’ made him an internet sensation. His speed and accuracy turned him into a highly respected figure in sports journalism, with fans eagerly awaiting his next major announcement, often reacting with "nuclear explosion" gifs.
On July 1, 2017, Wojnarowski joined ESPN, just ahead of the NBA free agency period. He made his ESPN debut on the midnight edition of SportsCenter. He went on to win three consecutive National Sportswriter of the Year awards from the National Sports Media Association (2017-19).
On September 19, 2024, Wojnarowski announced that he would step away from journalism to become the general manager of the men’s basketball team at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University, marking the end of his legendary media career.
John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Jeff Twiss
Jeff Twiss is a distinguished figure in sports public relations, known for his longstanding tenure with the Boston Celtics. He began his career with the Celtics in 1981 after receiving his Master’s Degree in Sport Management at UMass Amherst and now serves as the Vice President of Media Services and Alumni Relations.
Twiss has led the Celtics PR staff through 40 post-season experiences, including nine Eastern Conference Finals appearances, seven NBA Finals appearances, and four NBA Championships (1984, ‘86, ‘08, ‘24).
Over the years, Twiss has been instrumental in shaping the team's public image and fostering relationships with the media and alumni. In 1987, Twiss was elected by his peers to serve as President of the National Basketball Public Relations Directors Association. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Vermont in 1992 and the University of Massachusetts Sports Management Department’s Harold J. VanderZwaag Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999.
Twiss was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, honored with the NBA’s McHugh/Splaver “Tribute to Excellence” award in 2005, and recognized by the Boston Press Photographer’s Association as the Sports Personality Award winner in 2009. On September 18, 2024, he received the International Sports Heritage Association Legacy Award.
Previous Curt Gowdy Media Award Recipients:
Year - Print/Electronic/
1990 - Dick Herbert/Curt Gowdy
1991 - Dave Dorr/Marty Glickman
1992 - Sam Goldaper/Chick Hearn
1993 - Leonard Lewin/Johnny Most
1994 - Leonard Koppett/Cawood Ledford
1995 - Bob Hammel/Dick Enberg
1996 - Bob Hentzen/Billy Packer
1997 - Bob Ryan/Marv Albert
1998 - Larry Donald & Dick Weiss/Dick Vitale
1999 - Smith Barrier/Bob Costas
2000 - Dave Kindred/Hubie Brown
2001 - Curry Kirkpatrick/Dick Stockton
2002 - Jim O’Connell/Jim Nantz
2003 - Sid Hartman/Hot Rod Hundley
2004 - Phil Jasner/Max Falkenstien
2005 - Jack McCallum/Bill Campbell
2006 - Mark Heisler/Bill Raftery
2007 - Malcolm Moran/Al McCoy
2008 - David DuPree/Bob Wolff
2009 - Peter Vecsey/Doug Collins
2010 - Jackie MacMullan/Joe Tait
2011 - Alexander Wolff/Jim Durham
2012 - Sam Smith/Bill Schonely
2013 - John Feinstein/Eddie Doucette
2014 - Joe Gilmartin/John Andariese
2015 - Rich Clarkson/Woody Durham
2016 - David Aldridge/Jay Bilas
2017 - Harvey Araton/Craig Sager
2018 - Andy Bernstein/Doris Burke
2019 - Marc Stein/Ralph Lawler
2020 - Michael Wilbon/Mike Breen/Inside the NBA/Jim Gray
2021 - Mel Greenberg/Mike Gorman/George Kalinsky
2022 - M.A. Voepel/Walt Frazier/Dick Ebersol
2023 - Holly Rowe/Marc Spears/CBS Sports
2024 - Debbie Antonelli/J.A. Adande/”NBA Inside Stuff”/SLAM Magazine
Previous John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
1973 - John Bunn
1974 - John Wooden
1975 - J. Walter Kennedy
1976 - Henry P. Iba
1977 - Clifford B. Fagan
1978 - Curt Gowdy
1979 - Eddie Gottlieb
1980 - Arnold "Red" Auerbach
1981 - Ray Meyer
1982 - Daniel Biasone
1983 - Robert J. Cousy
1984 - Lawrence F. O'Brien
1985 - Lee Williams
1986 - Grady W. Lewis
1987 - David R. Gavitt
1988 - Haskell Hillyard
1989 - George E. Killian
1990 - Pat Head Summitt
1991 - Morgan B. Wootten
1992 - Will Robinson
1993 - Joe Vancisin
1994 - William Wall
1995 - Pete Carlesimo
1996 - Vic Bubas
1997 - C.M. Newton
1998 - Tex Winter
1999 - The Harlem Globetrotters
2000 - Meadowlark Lemon
2001 - Tom Jernstedt
2002 - Harvey Pollack
2003 - Joe O'Brien
2004 - Zelda Spoelstra
2005 - Marty Blake
2006 - Betty Jaynes
2007 - Thomas “Satch” Sanders
2008 - Val Ackerman
2009 - Johnny "Red" Kerr
2010 - Don Meyer
2011 - Brian McIntyre
2012 - Pat Williams
2013 - George Raveling
2014 - Alvin Attles
2015 - Rod Thorn
2016 - Jim Delany
2017 - Michael Goldberg
2017 - Donald “Dee” Rowe
2018 - Harley Redin & Jim Host
2019 - Del Harris & Harry Glickman
2020 - Timothy Nugent
2022 - Reggie Minton
2023 - Tom Konchalski
2024 - JoAn Scott
Chicago Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis will replace injured New Orleans Pelicans rookie center Yves Missi in the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars, which will take place tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco. TNT will air the four-team, three-game mini-tournament at 9 p.m. ET, with the champion earning a spot to play in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 16 (8 p.m. ET, TNT).
Buzelis will replace Missi on Team M, named for Naismith Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, a Castrol Rising Stars honorary head coach. Missi is unable to participate because of a right knee injury.
Buzelis is averaging 6.4 points in 14.8 minutes per game in 53 games this season. In his last eight games, he has scored in double figures each time and averaged 14.1 points in 26.0 minutes.
The 6-10 Buzelis will also participate in AT&T Slam Dunk during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, which begins tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
- The Memphis at Cleveland game will now be televised by ESPN and change game time to 7:00 PM ET.
- The Miami at Milwaukee game will no longer be televised by ESPN and change game time to 6:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM local.
FEB. 23, 2025 | ET | TV |
New York at Boston | 1:00PM | ABC |
Dallas at Golden State | 3:30PM | ABC |
Memphis at Cleveland | 7:00PM | ESPN |
Oklahoma City at Minnesota | 9:30PM | ESPN |
Adam Silver and Golden State Warriors Bring Physical AI Robots to the NBA at 2025 NBA All-Star Tech Summit
At the 25th NBA All-Star Tech Summit, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was joined on stage by cutting-edge Physical AI robots. These advanced machines have the potential to transform how players and coaches approach the game—both on and off the court. The presentation featured Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robot dogs, which launched T-shirts and entertained the crowd, providing a glimpse into the playful yet powerful applications of robotics in sports.
Click here to view a clip from the presentation.
The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr were featured in videos demonstrating how to utilize Physical AI robots, including:
- K.I.T. (Kinematic Interface Tool): Provides companionship to players and staff.
- M.I.M.I.C. (Motion & Intercept Modular-Interface Coordination): Assists coaches in designing and teaching plays.
- B.E.B.E. (Bot-Enhanced Basics & Equipment): Aids players with preparation and recovery.
- A.B.E. (Automated Basketball Engine): Rebounds and passes to players during shooting sessions.
GLOBAL REACH OF NBA ALL-STAR 2025
Fans
- Fans from 34 countries and territories purchased tickets to attend NBA All-Star 2025, which ties a record for an NBA event in the U.S. (NBA All-Star 2024 in Indianapolis).
Global Distribution
- NBA All-Star 2025 will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages on their televisions, computers, mobile phones and tablets.
- 305 international media from 34 countries and territories are credentialed to cover NBA All-Star 2025.
- 72 international broadcast partners will televise NBA All-Star 2025, including six – from China, France, Greece, Mongolia, and Latin America – that will conduct live onsite commentary from the Bay Area.
- NBA ID members around the world will serve as judges for AT&T Slam Dunk by voting in real time via the NBA App. The collective NBA ID member score will be presented by basketball content creator Jesser, who will serve as this year’s inaugural NBA ID Member Rep.
International Players
- 15 international players, including seven international All-Stars, were selected to participate in NBA All-Star 2025 events.
- The seven international All-Stars, five of whom are on “Chuck’s Worldwide Stars” are Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL; Greece; ties to Nigeria; will not play due to injury), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC; Canada), Kyrie Irving (DAL; Australia), Nikola Jokić (DEN; Serbia), Alperen Sengun (HOU; Turkey), Pascal Siakam (IND; Cameroon) and Victor Wembanyama (SAS; France; ties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
- The NBA and FIBA will host the ninth annual Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global camp from Feb. 14-16 at the Golden State Valkyries’ practice facility, bringing together 40 of the top high-school-age prospects from around the world.
- 27 current NBA players participated in BWB Global prior to their NBA careers, including Gilgeous-Alexander (BWB Global 2016).
Global Reach of the NBA
- The NBA has more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team and player platforms.
- NBA content has generated a record 53.7 billion video views on social media so far this season, up 21% year-over-year.
- Opening-night rosters this season featured a record-tying 125 international players from record-tying 43 countries across six continents, including the winners of the last six Kia MVP Awards: Jokić, Joel Embiid (PHI; Cameroon) and Antetokounmpo.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther will replace injured Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson in the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars.
Strawther will take Henderson’s place on Team M, named for Naismith Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, a Castrol Rising Stars honorary head coach. Henderson is unable to participate because of a right ankle sprain.
Strawther has appeared in all 54 of Denver’s games this season and is averaging 9.6 points per game. He ranks fifth among second-year NBA players in three-pointers made with 85.
Castrol Rising Stars will be played on Friday, Feb. 14 at Chase Center in San Francisco as part of NBA All-Star 2025 (9 p.m. ET, TNT). New this year, the champion of the four-team mini-tournament will earn a spot to play in the NBA All-Star Game.
BA ANNOUNCES HBCU CELEBRATIONS, ENTERTAINMENT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AS PART OF 2025 NBA HBCU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AT&T
– 2025 NBA HBCU Classic Partners Include AT&T, Foot Locker, and Google –
– NBA to Host Weekend of HBCU Celebrations, Entertainment and Career Development Opportunities –
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 – The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T will feature a lineup of celebrations, entertainment and career development opportunities for the HBCU community, the NBA announced today. The weekend of activities during NBA All-Star 2025 continues the league’s commitment to celebrating the rich traditions and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and providing career development opportunities for HBCU students. For the fourth consecutive year, AT&T will serve as the presenting sponsor of the HBCU Classic, with Foot Locker and Google serving as associate sponsors. The game will feature musical performances of the Star-Spangled Banner by PJ Morton and Lift Every Voice by Goapele.
NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T participants Morehouse College and Tuskegee University from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) each will receive $100,000 from the NBA and AT&T. Additionally, the NBA, AT&T and associate sponsors will highlight HBCUs throughout NBA All-Star 2025 through activations, career development opportunities and entertainment.
"AT&T is excited to present the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic," said AT&T’s Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Jordan. “We’re proud to support the next generation of scholars, athletes, and future makers as they make meaningful connections and gain the right tools to reach their dreams. Our support helps to connect students and athletes to greater possibilities while creating an engaging experience for NBA fans.”
The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T will begin at 2:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Oakland Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, NBA TV and TruTV. On-air talent includes Brian Custer, Grant Hill and Taylor Rooks.
Taking place during NBA All-Star 2025 will be opportunities for the student athletes from both schools and a broader range of HBCU students focused on professional development. HBCU student activities, partner activations and celebrations include:
NBA ALL-STAR 2025
– ‘DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live!’ to Celebrate the Bay’s Musical Legacy During NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 16 –
– Vallejo Native and Multi Award-Winning Artist H.E.R. to Welcome Fans to State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night; LiAngelo ‘GELO’ Ball to Perform Hit Single “Tweaker” Ahead of the STARRY® 3-Point Contest –
– Bay Area Native LaRussell to Bring Musical Entertainment to 2025 Castrol® Rising Stars; All-Star Concert Series to Feature Noah Kahan, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, 2 Chainz and Flo Rida –
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a star-studded lineup of musical performances celebrating the Bay Area’s rich musical culture as part of NBA All-Star 2025.
Renowned maestro, DJ Cassidy, will lead a special Bay Area edition of his “Pass The Mic Live!” starring award-winning artist and entrepreneur E-40, multi-platinum hip-hop artists Too $hort and Saweetie and multi-platinum vocal group En Vogue during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV and MAX. The performance will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors, during the new NBA All-Star Game format.
Prior to tip-off, Oakland, Calif., native and three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer Raphael Saadiq will deliver a special performance to welcome fans to the Bay Area and introduce the 2025 NBA All-Stars. Leading up to the event, Saadiq, joined by fellow Oakland native and nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, appeared in a promotional short film exploring how the Bay has shaped their lives and careers. The film is now streaming across @NBA platforms.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Academy Award® winner, five-time Grammy Award-winning artist and Vallejo, Calif. native H.E.R. will welcome fans to State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night alongside National Basketball Players Association Executive Director and four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors Andre Iguodala. Additionally, Def Jam Recording artist LiAngelo “GELO” Ball will make his live televised debut, performing his hit single “Tweaker” ahead of the STARRY 3-Point Contest. The track, which debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the #1 Rap song of 2025, topped the TikTok Top 50 Viral Chart and the Apple Music Hip-Hop Chart, among others. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV and MAX.
As previously announced, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, GRAMMY Award-winning artists The Chainsmokers, Zedd and 2 Chainz, and multi-platinum artist Flo Rida will perform throughout the weekend at Pier 48 as part of the NBA All-Star Concert Series. Tickets for the Concert Series are available at NBAEvents.com.
On Saturday, five-time GRAMMY Award-winning musician and Morehouse alumnus PJ Morton will perform the U.S. national anthem before Morehouse College and Tuskegee University meet in the fourth annual NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, which tips off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, NBA TV and TruTV. Morton will also join Oakland native and singer-songwriter Goapele to perform the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
KEVIN HART TO SERVE AS FIRST-EVER ON-COURT EMCEE OF THE REIMAGINED 2025 NBA ALL-STAR GAME
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 – The NBA announced today that comedy superstar Kevin Hart will serve as the first-ever on-court emcee of the NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center – home of the Golden State Warriors – and air at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, TBS, truTV and MAX.
Four-time NBA All-Star Draymond Green of the Warriors officially invited Hart to come to NBA All-Star in a new promotional spot, solidifying his role at the event.
As previously announced, the NBA All-Star Game will feature four teams and three games. Each game will be won by the first team to score 40 points. Barkley, O’Neal and Smith chose their rosters from the All-Star player pool in the NBA All-Star Draft. Parker’s team will be the Castrol Rising Stars champion.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Mavericks forward-center Anthony Davis on Team Shaq in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
This is the ninth NBA All-Star selection for Irving, who is averaging 24.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field, 40.7% from three-point range and 90.1% from the free throw line in 42 games this season.
Davis is unable to participate in the NBA All-Star Game because of a left adductor strain. The 10-time NBA All-Star was drafted onto Team Shaq by its general manager, TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal.
The 74th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The new four-team, three-game mini-tournament will air at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES THE TOP 10 CANDIDATES FOR THE 2025 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
CENTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
- Fan Voting Starts Today -
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (February 7, 2025) — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the Top 10 candidates for the 2025 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award and, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the Top 10 candidates for the 2025 Lisa Leslie Award.
The annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, named after the Class of 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion, celebrates its 11th year by honoring the top centers in Division I men’s college basketball.
The Lisa Leslie Award, now in its eighth year, recognizes the top centers in Division I women’s college basketball. It is named after the three-time All-American, 1994 National Player of the Year, and Class of 2015 Hall of Famer.
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in both of the remaining rounds starting today, February 7, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.
In March, the Top 10 list will be narrowed to just five, and in late March, the five finalists will be presented to Abdul-Jabbar, Leslie, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2025 Abdul-Jabbar and Leslie Awards will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards (Point Guard), Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards (Small Forward), and the Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards (Power Forward).
Previous winners of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award are Zach Edey, Purdue (2023-24), Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky (2022), Luka Garza, Iowa (2020-21), Ethan Happ, Wisconsin (2019), Angel Delgado, Seton Hall (2018), Przemek Karnowski, Gonzaga (2017), Jakob Poeltl, Utah (2016), and Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin (2015).
Previous winners of the Lisa Leslie Award are Cameron Brink, Stanford (2024), Aliyah Boston, South Carolina (2020-23), Megan Gustafson, Iowa (2019), and A’ja Wilson, South Carolina (2018).
For more information on the 2025 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu, #KareemAward, and #LeslieAward on X and Instagram.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski will replace injured Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace on Team T in the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars. Wallace is unable to participate because of a right shoulder strain.
Castrol Rising Stars honorary head coaches Tim Hardaway Sr. (Team T), Mitch Richmond (Team M) and Chris Mullin (Team C) previously drafted their teams from the pool of 21 NBA rookies and sophomores who were selected to play. Jeremy Lin is the honorary head coach of the team representing the NBA G League (Team G League).
The annual showcase of premier young talent will take place on Friday, Feb. 14 at Chase Center in San Francisco as part of NBA All-Star 2025 (9 p.m. ET, TNT).
New this year, the Castrol Rising Stars champion will earn a spot to play in the NBA All-Star Game.
NBA ALL-STAR 2025 BRINGS FIVE DAYS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT AND YOUTH BASKETBALL TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
- NBA to Host First Total Health All-Star Walk and 17th Annual NBA Cares Day of Service –
- NBA HBCU Classic Presented by AT&T Includes Career Development Opportunities and HBCU Celebrations –
NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 – NBA All-Star 2025, in collaboration with the Golden State Warriors, will deliver five days of social impact and youth basketball events in the San Francisco Bay Area, emphasizing service, wellness, inclusion and grassroots development. The NBA will impact more than 2,000 boys and girls through a series of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA basketball clinics and programming that support participation and high-quality coaching at the grassroots level. Additionally, throughout NBA All-Star 2025, the league will continue its commitment to supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). NBA All-Star 2025 culminates with the All-Star Game on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. As part of the NBA’s efforts, the league will collectively donate more than $2 million to support the Bay Area and HBCU communities.
17th NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service
On Friday, Feb. 14, the NBA, NBPA and the Golden State Warriors will mobilize 500 volunteers - including current and former NBA & WNBA players, employees and partners - to refurbish two Bay Area elementary schools. In collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and support from NIKE, the NBA and NBPA will unveil a renovated gymnasium featuring new hoops, equipment, lighting and flooring at Bret Harte Elementary School in San Francisco. In Oakland, the NBA and NBPA will collaborate with the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and KABOOM! to beautify the school yard and as part of the NBA Cares State Farm Assist Tracker program, renovate the library at East Oakland Pride Elementary School. Additionally, NBA volunteers will participate in a hands-on service project at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank packing meals for the 50,000 households that the food bank serves each week.
NBA Total Health All-Star Walk presented by Evernorth Health Services
The NBA will launch its new holistic health platform, NBA Total Health, with its inaugural Total Health All-Star Walk, presented by Evernorth Health Services. In partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Parks, GirlTREK and the Golden State Warriors, the walk will engage 1,000 local community members, families and All-Star guests to celebrate and bring awareness to the importance of physical, mental and community health. The walk will also feature local health and wellness resources to promote a healthy lifestyle among all ages.
Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Day presented by NIKE
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA will partner with NIKE to host the 8th annual Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Day on Friday, Feb. 14. Local elementary and middle school students from San Francisco and Oakland Unified School Districts will participate. Current and former NBA and WNBA players will join nearly a thousand youth to participate in basketball clinics that teach the fundamentals of basketball and the values of the game.
Jr. WNBA Clinic
The Jr. WNBA is the WNBA’s initiative dedicated to providing girls of all skill levels opportunities to learn, play and love the game of basketball. The Jr. WNBA clinic will feature basketball fundamentals and a panel discussion with WNBA players including members of the Golden State Valkyries aimed to help girls gain confidence, face challenges, and learn the importance of physical and mental wellness.
NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T
As previously announced, the Morehouse College and Tuskegee University men’s basketball programs from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) will compete in the fourth NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T. The HBCU Classic takes place in Oakland Arena at 2 p.m. PT on Saturday, Feb. 15, and will be broadcast on ESPN+, NBA TV and TruTV. Fans can purchase tickets to the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T here. In addition to the game, the NBA will celebrate and support the HBCU community with a full slate of events that will be announced at a later date. The NBA and AT&T will also donate $100,000 each to Morehouse College and Tuskegee University.
NBA Foundation All-Star Pitch Competition
The NBA Foundation in collaboration with the Golden State Warriors, the Kapor Center, and Amplitude will host the finals of the All-Star Pitch Competition on Thursday, Feb. 13. Seven early-stage startups will pitch their businesses in front of a panel of judges that include Chase Koch, Chiney Ogwumike, Spenser Skates, Rebecca Quick and Angela Yee. $150,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists. The semifinals of the Pitch competition were held in San Francisco in December 2024, with the seven finalists earning their spot to compete at NBA All-Star 2025.
NBA All-Star Game Charitable Components
As part of the State Farm® Assist Tracker Program, each assist during the NBA All-Star Game will result in a $1,900 donation split between Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland. During last year’s NBA All-Star Game, the State Farm® Assist Tracker recorded 106 assists resulting in $201,400 in donations. Additionally, the NBA will host firefighters from San Francisco, Oakland and Alameda County who traveled to Los Angeles to assist with wildfire recovery efforts and provide them with tickets to the All-Star Game. Last month, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced a $1 million donation to organizations that support those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Make-A-Wish Experiences
The NBA will continue its longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation and help grant seven wishes of youth throughout NBA All-Star 2025.
Additional Social Impact and Youth Basketball Events During NBA All-Star 2025 Include
NBA Hoops & Heritage: An All-Star Vendor Showcase to spotlight local small businesses and prospective vendors.
Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and Junior Warriors Coaches Clinic: Local youth basketball coaches will participate in a coaches’ clinic led by an NBA All-Star Head Coach featuring discussions on coaching philosophies, strategy and on court skill development.
Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Wheelchair Basketball Clinic: The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and Challenged Athletes Foundation will host a basketball clinic introducing individuals with physical disabilities to wheelchair basketball.
Junior Warriors x Special Olympics All-Star Showcase: Teams from the Junior Warriors program and Special Olympics Northern California will participate in a showcase of competitive games at the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA’s court space.
Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Skills Challenge: Boys and girls will compete in skills competitions focused on the fundamentals of basketball. There will be a boys’ division and a girls’ division in two different age groups.
Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA STEM Clinic: Participants ages 6-14 will learn about the intersection of sports and STEM and how concepts such as the scientific method, data visualization and data collection are a way to better understand the world around them, whether in a school classroom or on a basketball court.
NIKE N7 x Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Clinic: The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and NIKE N7 will host a basketball clinic for indigenous youth from the Intertribal Friendship House Bay Area.
HBCU Programming: A series of HBCU celebrations and career development opportunities in conjunction with the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T will occur throughout NBA All-Star 2025.
National Basketball Social Justice Coalition: On Jan. 17, in the lead up to NBA All-Star 2025, the Golden State Warriors and the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition (NBSJC) hosted The Rebound: Second Chances & The Power of Basketball at Chase Center in San Francisco. The event featured a series of “on-court conversations” highlighting the NBA and Warriors’ commitment to second chances for incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals. The discussions spotlighted ongoing impact work with the Twinning Project in California State Prison Solano and the annual basketball event at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, as well as the recently released book, The Power of Basketball: NBA Players, Coaches, and Team Governors on the Fight to Make a Better America – a joint project of NBSJC and the Vera Institute of Justice.
Sustainability: As part of the league’s environmental sustainability efforts through NBA Green, the NBA and Golden State Warriors will work to minimize impacts related to energy, water, waste, and transportation. Chase Center is LEED Gold certified for building design and construction and was the first NBA arena in California to be Green Business Certified in April 2021. The arena's comprehensive sustainability efforts in water conservation, graywater recovery, food recovery, waste diversion, and more will make a sustainable impact on NBA All-Star.
NBA events at Chase Center, Moscone Center and Oakland Arena will be powered by 100% renewable energy and reach at least an 80% waste diversion rate. In addition, NBA Green will tip off its partnership with Rewiring America through a sustainability fan activation at NBA Crossover. The activation – an electric bike competition – will educate fans on how going electric makes homes and businesses healthier, more affordable and better for the planet.
Stand Together Collaboration: The NBA will receive support from Stand Together, a philanthropic community that engages communities nationwide in acts of service. Stand Together will have 20 volunteers participate in the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service and Stand Together will amplify the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on Team Chuck in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
Young has earned his fourth NBA All-Star selection. He is averaging 23.5 points and an NBA-leading 11.4 assists per game in 49 games this season.
Antetokounmpo is unable to participate in the NBA All-Star Game because of a left calf strain. The nine-time NBA All-Star was drafted onto Team Chuck by its general manager, TNT analyst Charles Barkley.
The 74th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The new four-team, three-game mini-tournament will air at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
