[highflyer0Participant]

 As Hamidou Diallo, a guy who never played a single game of college ball, shoots up draft boards, I decided to watch a few of his highlight videos to see what he’s all about.  I came across a documentary-syle video about him returning back to his hometown of Queens, and something Diallo said really made me think.  He said that, where he’s from, it’s either "ball or the streets."  Now, I’m not so ridiculously naive as to think that this isn’t a common narrative among inner city communities across the country, but it made me start to wonder whether or not the NBA has a responsbility to support these communities.  The inner cities are basically feeder programs for the NBA.  Whether it be Kevin Durant or Lebron James or Demar Derozan, there are an inordinate number of NBA stars who grew up in poverty.  I think this sends a mixed message to kids in these communities.  Yes, these athletes show that it is "possible" to make it big, but I wonder how many thousands of kids end up on the streets because they devoted their lives to a sport they were never tall enough or athletic enough or strong enough to ever get a scholarship in.  

In the documentary, Diallo kept trumpeting the fact that was he going back home to show these kids that they can "make it out."  Of course, this was well-intentioned.  But, in reality, Diallo just happened to be the most athletic player in the country, and 6’5.  He has very little tangible basketball skill, and the fact that he "made it out" of Queens is not due to him working hundreds of hours on his ball handling.  For the record, I think he has the tools to be a great player.  But he isn’t at all refined yet.    

I don’t exactly have an opinion on this issue, other than the fact that something doesn’t seem right.  I completely understand that kids on the south side of Chicago do not have many opportunities, and I do not blame them one bit for thinking that basketball is the only way out.  But I wonder if the NBA doesn’t have an obligation to support education in these communities, instead of passively allowing these kids to kill themselves (metaphorically) for the dream of playing pro ball, simply because they feel like there is no other way out.  I know that certain players like Lebron James have donated a great deal of money to scholarship funds and sent kids to college.  I think the NBA, as a business, needs to do a whole lot more of this.  

The sad part is that it truly is in the NBA’s best interest for these kids to believe that basketball really is the only way out.  Professional basketball players aren’t guys who failed at being doctors or lawyers or teachers.  They’re guys who grew up believing that becoming a doctor was more far-fetched than being Kevin Durant.   

I know I sound like a concerned middle-aged parent who hates sports, but I just think this is worth addressing.  What do you guys think? I know it’s a business but do you think the NBA has an obligation to do more for the communities that basically give it life?  Is it completely up to the players?  Or is it just hopelessly naive to think that the NBA could really make any difference, even if it tried?  

Sorry if this post seems too politically charged or out of place.  I just thought this was a good place to pose the topic, since this is by the far the most intelligent basketball message board I’ve seen.  
 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

 This is so well done. I agree that it is a struggle to fall back on to nothing if the physicals don’t match the effort especially when coming from a poor background. I feel as if some kids believe that sports is the only way "out" and then don’t give two hoots about their academic side when that should be the top priority in most situations. I say most because in some scenarios the education in the area may not even be able to offer a glimpse of hope.

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

Well written, I agree. I believe a way this could be policed by the NBA and the players association is they could enforce a rule that a small percentage of each players salary is put aside to a charity in that players home community. I realise more than most would do this anyway but it would give kids even more reason to root for the home town kid to make it knowing there community would benefit from it financially. 

 

[Roland209Participant]

I think it would be great if the NBA did something. Players do it already, but they can only do so much. NFL player Richard Sherman talks to kids in Compton and actually tells them to be realistic about their goals and to have an education because most won’t make it. If the NBA and NFL can bring that message to these communities it would do wonders.  

[sweaterflexParticipant]

 NBA Cares does a pretty good job as a charitable nonprofit. Unfortunately, it is now more unlikely than ever to aspire to a career as a professional athlete, when half of all NBA players are related to other world class athletes, as seen here. You really need to win the genetic lottery.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 To send the message that basketball is the only way out of a life of poverty or crime for underprivileged youth is pretty dangerous, although I can certainly see why someone in diallos position would feel that way. For the vast majority of human beings, the odds of playing in the NBA are probably less than the odds of winning the lottery. It takes not only an insane amount of dedication, focus,  and  work ethic, but also natural athletic ability and good fortune. The truth is that no matter how much you love the game and work to get better, most players will hit a ceiling in basketball and their window will be closed. Where do you go from there if you’ve been taught your whole life that basketball was your only ticket to a better life?

Should the NBA be doing more to help kids in underprivileged communities realize that their hopes for a better life don’t live or die with basketball. I think you can make the argument that they definitely should. However, does the league have an obligation too? I’m not sure about that.

 

[Sewok15Participant]

This seems like more a job for Inner city education which as we know is flourishing in this country…Go Government!

 

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

What the OP is talking about extends beyond basketball. Kids coming from poverty don’t think about academic pursuits. Becoming a performer or athlete is simply more imaginable. 

I understand what Hamidou Diallo is saying, I sympathize with where he is coming from. But what he’s saying is so wrong, and so dangerous. 

I looked up his background. He’s from Queens, New York City, in the United States of America. Income inequality and racial disparity are massive problems in the US.  I do not want to minimize that. But, despite these socio-economic barriers, there are far more opportunities that come from a four-year university, vocational training, or even the visual arts… compared to professional sports. 

Professional sport provides opportunity to one category of human being….. exceptional athletes, a category which Hamidou Diallo belongs to. So in many ways, his comments come from a place of privelege. And like any priveleged comments, they are out of touch. 

The NBA already spends money philanthropically, I’d be fine with that amount being higher. The same goes for the US domestic budget, in my opinion. But first, I’d like to see the Hamidou Diallos of the world give back more. Those who hit the genetic lottery and have millions of kids trying to follow in their footsteps.

 

 

 

 

 

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