May 22nd 2024.
The NBA has recently made an exciting announcement declaring CJ McCollum, a talented guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, as the recipient of the highly coveted 2023-24 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. This prestigious honor, selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, recognizes individuals who have displayed exceptional dedication and service to their communities. It is named after J. Walter Kennedy, the NBA's second commissioner.
After an impressive 11-year career in the league, McCollum has emerged as a deserving candidate for this award, beating out four other finalists: Caron Butler, assistant coach for the Miami Heat, Anthony Gill, forward for the Washington Wizards, Kyrie Irving, guard for the Dallas Mavericks, and Jaren Jackson Jr., forward for the Memphis Grizzlies. In a written statement, PBWA President Howard Beck, from The Ringer, praised McCollum's passion, generosity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of youth in his community. He also commended all the nominees for their inspiring work.
Not only is McCollum a standout player on the court, but he is also the president of the National Basketball Players Association. His dedication to his community in and around New Orleans is truly admirable, with a focus on education, social justice reform, and providing equal opportunities and resources for young people. He was chosen for this award from a list of nominees submitted by their respective teams to a committee of PBWA members. The committee, made up of over 200 NBA writers and editors who contribute to various newspapers, magazines, and online outlets, voted for their top choice among the nominees.
Joining the ranks of previous winners such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard, McCollum has made a significant impact off the court. In 2024, he collaborated with the nonprofit organization CollegeBeyond to launch the McCollum Scholars program, offering $100,000 scholarships to eleven students from New Orleans to pursue four-year degrees. In March, he also opened the CJ McCollum Dream Center, a hub of innovation and inspiration, at the Westbank Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana.
Throughout the past season, McCollum continued to excel on the court, averaging 20 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 66 games for the Pelicans. His outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed, even in the face of challenges such as a collapsed lung that caused him to miss some games. McCollum's dedication to both his team and his community has truly set him apart, making him a deserving recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
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