Raptors’ Chris Boucher among five nominees for NBA’s social justice award
The winner of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy has been whittled down to five candidates.
The winner of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy has been whittled down to five candidates.
Toronto’s Chris Boucher, Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Boston’s Jrue Holiday, San Antonio’s Harrison Barnes and New Orleans’ CJ McCollum were nominated Wednesday for the award, which recognizes players dedicated to driving change.
The NBA will donate $100,000 to the organization of the winner’s choosing.
Boucher, 32, led year-round programs affecting 1,000 youths in Toronto and Montreal through scholarships, mental health advocacy and community programming.
With a focus on young Black and Caribbean people in Canada, Boucher contributed over $10,000 through his SlimmDuck Foundation.
Adebayo’s Bam, Books and Brotherhood Foundation helped donate more than $50,000 to underserved communities in Miami.
Holiday launched an initiative supporting Boston-based creators and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities by providing up to $100,000 in grant capital per business, while his Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund has deployed over $5 million in grants since its 2020 inception.
Barnes’ commitment spanned education, community development and social equality while also heading a court refurbishment program across three cities.
McCollum partnered with the Pelicans to create opportunities for his McCollum Scholars, which provides need-based scholarships to 10 eligible high-school students in New Orleans. He is also a leading voice on social justice within the Pelicans organization.
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy winner will be announced during the NBA Playoffs.
