NBA Tips off its MLK Day Activations

Jan. 16, 2023

Today, nine NBA games will be played including a compelling lineup of four nationally televised games on TNT and NBA TV tipping off at 1:00 p.m. ET. Additionally, all teams playing throughout the weekend wore custom Nike Martin Luther King Jr. Day On-Court Warm- Up T-Shirts designed in collaboration with the MLK Foundation, Martin Luther King III and the NBPA. All 30 NBA teams commemorated the important holiday and iconic leader in-arena, on broadcast, social media and through additional storytelling, and will continue to do so throughout the day.

NBA on MLK Day National TV Schedule:

• Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets – 1 p.m. ET on NBA TV
• Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks – 3:30 p.m. ET on TNT
• Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 6:00 p.m. ET on TNT
• Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV

NBA HBCU Fellowship Program Application Opens Today

The application window for the 2023 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program opens today. Last year, the NBA launched this paid Fellowship to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. The NBA and its teams hosted an inaugural cohort of 60 fellows representing 24 different HBCUs for a ten-week period during summer 2022 Interested students can apply here. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20

New "Change" MLK Spot:

On Jan. 5, the NBA unveiled "Change", the new spot that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and highlights Dr. King’s vision, courage, and selflessness, which started a movement that still changes lives today. Released in :30 and :60 second versions, the spot opens in a classic theatre featuring and narrated by Memphis Grizzlies Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. The spot shows Jackson Jr. watching footage of pivotal moments from Dr. King’s life and includes powerful soundbites from Dr. King’s “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speech.

Custom Nike Warm-Ups:

NBA teams playing on MLK day will wear custom Nike Martin Luther King Jr. Day On-Court Warm-Up T-Shirts. Teams not playing on the holiday were encouraged to wear their warm-up t- shirts at the closest home game to MLK Day.

 

MLK Day Commemorations Leaguewide:

Last week and throughout the weekend, all 30 NBA teams will honor Dr. King’s pursuit of racial, social and economic justice. Please visit NBA.com/MLK for additional information on team and league celebrations and find select activations below:

Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream Jr. NBA basketball development event: On Saturday, Jan. 14, 24 youth basketball teams comprised of more than 200 middle school students competed in a 5v5 tournament at the CT Martin Recreation Center from 9:00 a.m. –  7:00 p.m. ET. Atlanta Hawks alumni Damien Wilkins, Dion Glover, Roshown McLeod, Atlanta Dream players Nia Coffey and AD Durr, and Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright were in attendance in support of the league’s youth basketball development programming surrounding MLK Day. The winning team from each of the boys and girls divisions received trophies, as well as official Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream merchandise.

Jr. NBA 5v5 Tournament Appearances

• Damien Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks alumni)
• Dion Glover (Atlanta Hawks alumni)
• Roshown Mcleod (Atlanta Hawks alumni)
• Nia Coffey (Atlanta Dream player)
• AD Durr (Atlanta Dream player)
• Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream Head Coach)

Additionally, 40 youth coaches will participate in a Jr. NBA Respect the Game Forum on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center. The forum will tip off with a fireside chat headlined by former Atlanta Hawks player Salim Stoudamire. In partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, the Jr. NBA will also host a workshop for attendees focusing on creating meaningful connections with youth athletes and fostering inclusive environments. Participants will then attend the Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks MLK Day game at 3:30 p.m. ET at the State Farm Arena.

Jr. NBA Respect the Game Forum Appearances

• Salim Stoudamire (Atlanta Hawks alumni)

Memphis Grizzlies:

On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Grizzlies hosted a NCRM VIP tour and Intersection of Race and Sport panel to discuss the topic of reckoning with confederate monuments of college campuses. Panelists included NBA legend Grant Hill, Memphis Grizzlies Guard Danny Green, University of Memphis Women’s Basketball Head Coach Katrina Merriweather and Washington Post photographer Cornell Watson. The panel was moderated by Andscape senior NBA writer Marc Spears.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

On Monday, Jan. 16, Business and Basketball Operations staff from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx and Iowa Wolves will participate in the 33rd annual MLK Breakfast. The MLK Breakfast celebrates a 33-year legacy of leadership in the Twin Cities and is a landmark event known for uniting our community and benefitting the United Negro College Fund Twin Cities local scholars. Additionally, the Timberwolves Pack Gives Back Community Ticket Program will provide complimentary tickets to local area schools and youth-serving organizations.