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A new look into Hoops for Troops: Service on and off the court

Instead of an annual Hoops for Troops week, the league dedicates and prioritizes service year-round.

Bailey Colon, for NBA.com

The NBA pays tribute and reflects on those who have served in this special look at Veterans Day.

If we know anything about our military, we know that they never stop serving. Being a member of the United States Armed Forces is not only a commitment, but a way of life. For us, this doesn’t go unnoticed.

To avid hoopers or loyal NBA fans, the term “Hoops for Troops Week” may sound familiar. An annual November initiative in partnership with the United States Armed Forces, the week was created to involve NBA teams, players, coaches and referees with members of the military and their families to make a positive impact in communities.   

This year we thought bigger.  

To emulate those in U.S Armed Forces, veterans and military families, Hoops for Troops week is now a thing of the past. Instead, we’re honoring those who fought for our country and its freedom year-round, on and off the basketball court.

Let’s look at how our teams are serving their communities leading into Veterans Day and beyond.

Commitment to Service

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks hosted their annual Hoops for Troops event at the American Airlines Center on November 3rd, where the team and over 70 service men and women from the 301st Joint Reserve participated in packing meals for Northern Texas families. They also joined the Mavericks for an open practice that day.

Indiana Pacers

On November 2nd, the Indiana Pacers hosted over 200 military personnel at Gainbridge Fieldhouse where active and retired attendees visited a team practice and interacted with players in meaningful conversations.

Check out photos from the Breakfast and Basketball event here.

Philadelphia 76ers

Along with a dedicated game to honor armed forces on November 12th, the 76ers are getting to work with Toyota on their “Stars and Stripes” initiative. On the 15th, “more than 200 volunteers, including 76ers staff and members of Toyota will work together to package 5,000 on-the-go care kits and write 5,000 letters to send to Military Members.”

Atlanta Hawks

In partnership with Georgia Power, the Atlanta Hawks hosted a ‘Career Readiness and S.M.I.L.E. Training’ on November 4th at State Farm Arena. After the training concluded, each veteran in attendance received a “certificate that can be listed as a professional development experience on their resume, which will indicate that the veteran is aware of, and prepared to display the basic human relations skills necessary for gainful employment.”

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets paid a visit to Pleasantville Elementary in Houston, where team staff and military officers worked on various projects to make the school look its very best.

Dedicated Appreciation Nights

Milwaukee Bucks

On November 2nd, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted their Hoops for Troops night at Fiserv Forum against the Detroit Pistons. Fifty service members sat courtside, while the team intentionally left one seat open throughout the night to honor prisoners of war.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards hold their Military Appreciation Night on November 12th, with a special performance from the US Navy District of Washington Drill Team at halftime. Additionally, there will be an ROTC scholarship given out during the game.

Atlanta Hawks

On November 9th, the Atlanta Hawks held a Veterans Appreciation Night against the Utah Jazz. Each participant from the Career Readiness and S.M.I.L.E Training received two free tickets to the game.

Phoenix Suns

On November 5th, the Phoenix Suns held their Military Appreciation Night against the Portland Trailblazers. The game was dedicated to honoring all military members in attendance, and for those not physically at Footprint Center, there was a watch party held at Fort Huachuca base in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Orlando Magic

The Magic had their Seats for Soldier Night on November 9th, where 2,200 military personnel were present at Amway Center. Numerous fallen soldiers were honored at pregame when each Magic player held a uniform with the soldier’s name on it. Some additional teams hosting military nights this week include the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks.

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