NBA Fans Get Games Next Month
Although the NBA players are prohibited from participating in any league games due to a lockout, fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the league play in multiple games next month.
Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade decided to join forces in the name of charity and basketball for the "Homecoming Tour.” Starting Dec. 1, the four will make stops in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio; Paul’s current home city New Orleans, East Rutherford, N.J and Wade’s hometown of Chicago.
More than an exhibition of talent for fans during the lockout, the tour will provide an opportunity to give back to communities by utilizing food drives, utilizing educational programs and clinics. Fans outside of the chosen cities will have the opportunity to view the events on Google Plus, who will also sponsor the tour.
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Wade told AP that he was excited to see plans that have been in the works come to fruition, giving players an opportunity to give back to their communities.
“First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players,” Wade said. “To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we're from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it'll be cool. It's something we're looking forward to."
Anthony shared in Wade’s sentiments.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour," Anthony said in a press release. "To couple two of the things I love to do -- play basketball and give back -- is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge."
The official tour events will kick off on Nov. 29 with a food drive and court dedication, before moving to Akron for the first ball game on Dec.1. The next game will take place on Dec. 4 in New Orleans, followed by a game in Chicago on Dec. 7 and finally end in East Rutherford, N.J. on Dec. 10.
Two days later some of the players will arrive in D.C. to participate in the first ever Obama Classic to aid the president’s re-election campaign.
