NBA stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul have now been committed to play at home.
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J. Not bad from the NBA draft class of 2003 (LeBron, Wade, Carmelo…Paul was drafted in ’05).
LeBron is from Akron, Chris Paul is from New Orleans, Wade is from Chicago and Carmelo is from East Rutherford, N.J.
The 4 game tour will benefit the 4 players’ charities, as well as having educational sessions, and will be streamed LIVE by Google + (take that, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube!)
Comment from Dwyane Wade:
“It’ll be very neat. First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. 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.”
Comment from Carmelo Anthony:
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour. 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.”
Comment from LeBron James:
“I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community.”
Comment from Chris Paul:
“Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends … as well as raising money for charity is a win-win situation.”
And as the season remains bleak, Dwyane Wade just wants to get back out there with the guys.
“We’re approaching it as basketball. We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to continue to make an impact in the communities that we go to and also to show that we love this game, we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.”
It’s great to see that some NBA stars are back to business…and also giving back. And what’s even better is the opportunity Google + has with these games! I’ve never been there before, but will be there now starting Dec 4th. I know Twitter, Facebook and Youtube feel a little cheezy by now…
via ESPN
