The NBA announced the finalists for its newly-created Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, which had a particular Boston Celtics star player’s name conspicuously absent.
The award, for players “pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged” per the league’s press release, seemed like a lock to at least consider the many ways Brown actively works on such issues. While we’re sure that the difference the Georgia native makes in people’s lives is rewarding enough for Brown, it’s surprising he was not among the field of finalists.
That field includes Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.
The NBA today announced the five finalists for the inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award:
Carmelo Anthony
Harrison Barnes
Tobias Harris
Jrue Holiday
Juan Toscano-AndersonMore ➡️ https://t.co/o14dMbpCeY pic.twitter.com/KVKYdm5I0A
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 11, 2021
“The finalists for the award were selected from an impressive pool of NBA team nominees who have upheld the league’s decades-long values of equality, respect and inclusion,” the release notes.
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