Minnesota Timberwolves heart Karl-Anthony Cities was honored Thursday because the NBA’s Social Justice Champion and the recipient of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for the 2023-24 season.
Cities was chosen for his work to uphold voting rights, together with his effort to assist go a voting invoice in Minnesota for individuals who have been beforehand incarcerated, and on different points associated to justice and schooling, the NBA mentioned in a launch. Cities can also be a board member for the Nationwide Basketball Social Justice Coalition.
“It’s a nice honor to be named the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion,” Cities mentioned in a press release. “I’m proud to have performed a task within the passing of Minnesota’s Restore the Vote invoice and I’ll at all times be dedicated to supporting social justice causes as that’s a part of my DNA.”
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum credited Cities for his work that has “made a real affect on the lives of hundreds in Minnesota and past.”
“Karl-Anthony Cities has demonstrated a deep dedication to advancing social justice by his large advocacy work not solely this previous yr, however all through his entire profession,” Tatum mentioned in a press release.
Different finalists for the award this yr have been Miami Warmth heart Bam Adebayo, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ahead Lindy Waters III and LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook.
A $100,000 donation will likely be made on Cities’ behalf to the Boys & Ladies Golf equipment of the Twin Cities.
That is the fourth yr that the NBA has named a social justice champion. Different recipients of the award have been Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Bullock and Stephen Curry. The award was created in 2021 to honor a participant for pursuit of social justice whereas upholding the values of equality, respect and inclusion.
All 30 groups nominate one participant for the award, which was chosen by a committee led by Corridor of Fame member Abdul-Jabbar, league executives and social justice leaders.
The Timberwolves have had fairly the award haul this month, with Rudy Gobert named Defensive Participant of the Yr, Naz Reid getting Sixth Man of the Yr and Mike Conley profitable Teammate of the Yr.
The Related Press and Discipline Stage Media contributed to this report.
