OKC Thunder players are among the most active and committed in their philanthropic efforts. In the news offers a sampling of their events.
Although this offseason began with one intention in mind the goal quickly changed with one trade request. OKC Thunder, General Manager Sam Presti demonstrated an ability to adeptly change course, switching gears on the fly.
The result is a burgeoning package of draft picks the likes of which the franchise has never had at their disposal. At least not this many picks (and swaps) over this prolonged of a period. Moreover, key assets join the Thunder such as young upstart Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran All-Star Chris Paul and the offensively gifted Danilo Gallinari.
Despite several new faces arriving at Oklahoma City, there remains one common denominator. Philanthropy. This probably speaks to how active all players in the National Basketball Association are. But, it sure seems like the OKC Thunder are one of the most active and invested in bringing charity to Oklahoma and the areas they grew up themselves.
To that end, the past few weeks Thunder players ran camps and brought giveaways to the children attended and also represented their team at charitable functions. Here’s a compilation of some of these events (apologies if I missed one of the player’s events).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
It sure didn’t take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander long to fit in with the Thunder and get out into the community. SGA spent time traveling on the Rolling Thunder Book Bus meeting children at Eugene Field Elementary and promoting reading.
Earlier this month SGA returned home to Hamilton Ontario, Canada where he held a basketball camp interacting with 100 children and sharing a slice with those in attendance.
Chris Paul:
One of the most popular basketball camps is run by Chris Paul called the CP3 Basketball Academy. A peek at the calendar for the website showcases precisely how active his group is with only four dates blank.
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1152971943458430977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1152971943458430977&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthunderousintentions.com%2F2019%2F07%2F23%2Fokc-thunder-chris-paul-academy%2F
Steven Adams:
Back home in New Zealand Steven Adams ran basketball camps in Invercargill, Napier, and Whangarei. The big kiwi has run these camps since 2013 and in addition, this year hosted a fashion show and charity auction.
Adams interaction with one camper Ruben made news both in New Zealand and in North America.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1165419186203443201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1165419186203443201&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthunderousintentions.com%2F2019%2F08%2F26%2Fokc-thunder-steven-adams-camps-charity%2F
Terrance Ferguson:
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This past week OKC Thunder wing Terrance Ferguson visited Tulsa where he grew up to host his annual charity event giving away backpacks and school supplies to local children.
Hamidou Diallo:
Earlier this summer Hamidou Diallo spent time in his native New York running free camps. Those events took place at Lost Battalion Hall in the infamous Rego Park and what will no doubt become an annual event – Hami Day Games (at Hoffman Park in Elmhurst). In addition, Diallo was one of 12 young NBA players at the NBAPA sponsored sessions.
This is just a sampling of some of the recent Thunder player philanthropic efforts as the team continues to be active in their own communities as well at locally in Oklahoma City.
That’s in for in the news for Tuesday, August 27. Be sure to check in daily for all things OKC Thunder.