Current OKC Thunder guard Andre Roberson and former Thunder guard Victor Oladipo made special deliveries just in time for Christmas.
Three years ago the NBA launched a new campaign titled This is Why We Play, the four-word phrase can refer to many different reasons to play the game of basketball. However, since it’s inception, the phrase is often used when an NBA player is demonstrating their philanthropic efforts.
During a recent OKC Thunder home game, sidelined Guard Andre Roberson did not let his injury prevent him from showing the league why he plays. Roberson gifted a 65-year-old grandmother named Shirley, a check for $7,500. The amount she needed for fees to legally adopt her four grandchild whom she cares for.
Dre met the family during the Thunder’s 11th annual Christmas shopping spree at Target. The event is presented by the Thunder Cares foundation and partners with Sunbeam Family Services. The local non-profit offers a program titled Grandparents Raising Grandchildren or (GRG) according to the organization’s website, it provides support to grandparents raising their grandchildren.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1077026230635909121
In the above clip, Roberson discloses why he decided to help this special family. His reason was simple, after meeting the family during the annual Thunder Cares event the memory of one child stuck with Dre and he wanted to make a difference.
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The OKC Thunder put a lot of emphasis on character, at times it appears Sam Presti values high character over rich talent. When a story like the one involving Roberson surfaces, it’s easy to see why a player’s character can be equally important as his basketball abilities.
Former Thunder player gets in on the giving act
Roberson was not the only player feeling generous this December, former Thunder shooting guard and current Pacers All-Star Victor Oladipo presented Renita Hills a brand new car. According to media reports Hills is a domestic violence survivor.
As for the car, along with his spiffy trophy, Oladipo received a brand new Kia SUV after winning the 2018 Most Improved Player award. Usually re-gifting is frowned upon, however, in this instance Oladipo re-gifting changed a woman’s life.
These two stories are just a few of the joyous acts of generosity NBA players display throughout the year. As the calendar flips to 2019, it will be fun to see what kindhearted acts NBA players come up with in the new year.