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Photos Courtesy of NBA Entertainment 3

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We are proud to present the NBA Cares Community Report, our annual report on the social responsibility and community outreach initiatives involving current and former NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League players, our teams and the league.There is more to basketball than what happens on the court, and some of the NBA’s most significant efforts occur off the court. Through mid-January, the first three-and-a-half years of our NBA Cares program saw the NBA family contribute more than 800,000 hours of hands-on service, raise more than $97 million for charity, and create more than 350 places where kids and families can live, learn or play. Our commitment is driven by the understanding that we have a special responsibility to give back to our local communities and those around the world. Through NBA Cares, we are proud to support a wide array of initiatives, including programs that focus on education and literacy, youth and family development, and health and wellness. NBA Cares also works with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations including KaBOOM!, Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.During NBA All-Star 2009, we will once again roll up our sleeves and conduct a full week of community service activities designed to leave a lasting, positive impact on our host city. NBA Cares will partner with schools, government and local non-profit organizations in Phoenix to hold several events culminating in our NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service, where we will mobilize volunteers to build and refurbish places for families to live, learn or play. All of us who are a part of the NBA know the difference we can make in the lives of others, and our players take great pride in leading that effort. As you will see in this report, the NBA understands that our game is just the beginning of our opportunity to help. We hope you find this brochure informative and uplifting, and we encourage you to contact us if there is any additional information we can provide or if there is an introduction that you would like us to make to one of the many worthwhile organizations with which we partner.

DAVID J. STERNA Message From

NBA Commissioner

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G. WILLIAM HUNTERA Message From

Executive Director, NBA Players Association The National Basketball Players Association (“NBPA”) takes great pride and satisfaction in recognizing the ongoing charitable endeavors of our 450 NBA player-members and the 200 WNBA players who constantly serve as worldwide ambassadors for our sport.Charity, commitment, and community contribution have been staples for NBA players throughout the league’s history. In 2008, NBA players elevated their game in the face of the difficult economic circumstances confronting fans throughout the United States and throughout the world. We collectively plan to maintain and accelerate the pace of those efforts in 2009.The Players Association has been privileged to sponsor and facilitate numerous food drives over the past year through our ongoing partnership with “Feed the Children.” These drives were hosted in Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Charlottesville and Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, the NBPA’s efforts to promote grassroots basketball stretched from inner-city America to Africa and the Middle East this past year.Through Catholic Charities, our 2008 Holiday Relief Effort provided more than 30,000 families with toiletries and holiday meals in various NBA cities. We are also fortunate to contribute to great organizations such as the Children’s Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity, and The Salvation Army. In 2009, we will continue to provide food and household supplies to deserving families during All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. None of these efforts would be possible without our players’ tremendous commitment and leadership to social responsibility. The NBPA Executive Committee is led by union President Derek Fisher (Los Angeles Lakers) and NBPA Vice President Dikembe Mutombo (Houston Rockets). Both of these players have been identified with numerous social causes and philanthropic efforts throughout their distinguished careers. The list of player achievements goes on and on, and virtually every player in the NBA has contributed their time, effort and financial resources through their own foundations, team initiatives and the NBA Cares program. All-Star Weekend represents an annual celebration of our sport’s best both on and off the court. The Players Association looks forward to giving back to the Phoenix community and continuing its community outreach around the world in 2009.

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Dwyane Wade (Miami HEAT) and Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) donate $10,000 to a Family Resource Center.

Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns) reads to children during the dedication of a Learn and Play Space in Phoenix, Ariz.

Ronny Turiaf (Golden State Warriors) plays games with children at a new vocational and learning center in New Delhi, India.

— Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

The NBA family created 112 places to live, learn or play in 2008.

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LIVE, LEARN OR PLAYThe NBA’s commitment to youth and family development is highlighted by the creation of Live, Learn or Play Spaces. These new and refurbished basketball courts, libraries, playgrounds, homes and technology rooms are created in conjunction with NBA league and team community and business partners. Upon completion of each project, NBA family members officially dedicate the project by participating in educational activities and games with the local community. These spaces provide the critical resources that pave the way for children’s future success.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) helps build a new home during the 2008 NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service in New Orleans, La.

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76 Places to Live

141 Places to Learn

134 Places to Play

* Map includes sampling of overall locations

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From Boston to Beijing, the NBA has positively impacted communities far and wide through the creation of Live, Learn or Play Spaces. To date, more than 350 of these places have been created worldwide (as of January 2009).

CREATING A LEGACY

Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) works on a young girl’s shooting form during a Toyota Project Rebound dedication.

During China Games 2008, the NBA family unveils a Learn and Play Space in Guangzhou, China.

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Chris Bosh participates in the Toronto Raptors Clinic Series, which focuses on developing young people’s fundamental basketball skills.

The Memphis Grizzlies Honoring Our Military Families program provides service men and women and their families with the opportunity to attend a home game.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Holiday Assist Program, Kevin Durant and teammates host a shopping spree for 10 local families.

More than 17,000 children participate in the Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury youth basketball development program.

— Dan Mahoney, VP of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, Oklahoma City Thunder

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NBA teams maintain a range of creative programs geared to give back to their communities. Whether it’s engaging youth in various Read to Achieve incentive platforms or fun fitness programs, coordinating environmentally friendly projects, or providing memorable in-arena experiences to deserving local heroes, NBA teams actively participate in local community outreach. Through partnerships with various community and non-profit organizations, teams capitalize on their ability to highlight different issues and help a diverse array of people.

TEAM INITIATIVES

Andres Nocioni guides a child through sit-ups as part of the Chicago Bulls EnergizaBulls fitness program, which promotes healthy living to children.

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Greg Oden’s (Portland Trail Blazers) Team ODEN initiative recruits strong mentors to support Oregon’s youth.

Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) actively participates in community outreach in the Orlando, Fla. area.

Bruce Bowen’s (San Antonio Spurs) Get Fit with Bruce & Buddy program promotes healthy lifestyles to San Antonio students.

Chris Duhon (New York Knicks) donated $100,000 to refurbish 21 basketball courts in his home state of Louisiana.

— Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls

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For NBA players, there is no offseason when it comes to their community outreach and philanthropic work. Through personal foundations or initiatives with community organizations, they use their unique position to help people. Players address issues close to their hearts, including assisting underprivileged children, giving back to the communities where they were raised, and aiding health-related causes. These efforts generate awareness and raise funds for important social issues, providing opportunities for a better life in communities worldwide.

NBA PLAYERS GIVE BACK

The Yao Ming Foundation (Houston Rockets) has donated $2.7 million to help rebuild Chinese schools devastated by the May 2008 earthquake.

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— Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics) encourages at-risk Boston Public School students to excel in school through the Big Ticket Challenge.

Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks) supports Atlanta-area Hispanic youth groups through his Al’s Amigos initiative.

Peja Stojakovic (New Orleans Hornets) provides mobility assistance to disabled people in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Amar’e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns) donated $50,000 to support water well rehabilitation in Sierra Leone.

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With the presentation of the NBA Community Assist Award, the NBA honors the player that best reflects the passion that the league and its teams and players have for giving back to their communities. Awarded every month, the NBA makes a donation in the name of the recipient’s charity of his choice. Here are the winners for 2008:

January 2008 Tracy McGrady, Houston RocketsFebruary 2008 Al Horford, Atlanta HawksMarch 2008 Stephen Jackson, Golden State WarriorsApril 2008 Kevin Garnett, Boston CelticsMay 2008 Mike Miller, Memphis GrizzliesJune 2008 LeBron James, Cleveland CavaliersJuly 2008 Alonzo Mourning, Miami HEATAugust 2008 Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee BucksSeptember 2008 Chris Paul, New Orleans HornetsOctober 2008 Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix SunsNovember 2008 Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks December 2008 Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans Hornets

COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

Charlie Villanueva (Milwaukee Bucks) donates 10,000 pairs of shoes to Dominican Republic children through his Tenis Para Niños initiative.

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During the 2008 NBA Finals, Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics) reads to children during the dedication of a Toyota Project Rebound project.

Yi Jianlian (New Jersey Nets) visits Chinatown in New York City as part of NBA Cares Month in October.

Through the Coaches for Kids initiative, NBA coaches, general managers and trainers support thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs children.

During NBA Cares Month, NBA teams hosted more than 100 community outreach events to tip off the regular season.

— Sam Smith, Chicago Tribune (2/18/08)

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When it comes to the NBA’s social responsibility efforts, actions speak louder than words. The league coordinates a wide-reaching effort among the NBA family, community partners, non-profit organizations and business partners to benefit communities worldwide. Community outreach touches every aspect of the NBA’s business, especially during league events like NBA All-Star and The Finals. The league’s community initiatives, such as NBA Cares Month, Basketball without Borders and Toyota Project Rebound, present teams and players with the opportunity to give back year-round.

LEAGUE INITIATIVES

Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) works alongside thousands of volunteers during the 2008 NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service.

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— DeSagana Diop, Charlotte Bobcats

The NBA family has donated more than $5 million to earthquake relief efforts in China.

Tracy McGrady’s (Houston Rockets) trip to Chad inspired him to start the Sister Schools Initiative, connecting American and Darfurian refugee camp schools.

Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers) visits Indonesia, in partnership with the U.S. State Department, to teach basketball skills to orphans and meet with local citizens.

Vince Carter (New Jersey Nets) demonstrates shooting technique to children in London, England, as part of Europe Live 2008.

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The NBA believes in the power of using sport to bring attention to important global issues. As the worldwide popularity of basketball continues to grow, the NBA works to contribute to the greater good. Working with a team of internationally recognized organizations, the NBA family supports global causes such as HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and natural disaster relief efforts. From education to empowerment, players invest time and money in issues they’re passionate about. Like no other professional sports league, the NBA has the ability to touch lives both at home and overseas.

Jordan Farmar (Los Angeles Lakers) travels to Israel to host basketball camps for Israeli and Palestinian children.

GLOBAL OUTREACH

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— Caron Butler, Washington Wizards

Charlie Bell (Milwaukee Bucks) helps build one of three new houses during Basketball without Borders in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Randy Foye (Minnesota Timberwolves) spends time on a new computer during the dedication of a Learn and Play Space in Istanbul, Turkey.

WNBA Cares Community Ambassador Jennifer Azzi teaches basketball skills during the NBA’s first BWB girls’ basketball clinic.

More than 1,300 young athletes from over 100 countries and territories have participated in BWB.

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Kyle Korver (Utah Jazz) lifts a child’s spirits in New Delhi, India, during Basketball without Borders Asia.

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BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERSBasketball without Borders (BWB), hosted in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is the NBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program. This series of basketball camps unites young basketball players to promote the sport and encourages positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness. NBA players and coaches serve as camp coaches and mentors, and also give back to local communities by visiting hospitals, building homes and hosting basketball clinics.

2008 Basketball without Borders Camps: BWB Europe – Istanbul, Turkey BWB Asia – New Delhi, India BWB Africa – Johannesburg, South Africa

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Two young competitors go hard for the ball during the Gatorade Championship Series, a collection of one-day, 16-team basketball tournaments.

During the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Skills Challenge, young players have the opportunity to showcase their shooting, dribbling and passing skills.

NBA Legend Bill Walton coaches the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA National Team at NBA All-Star 2008.

More than 2.3 million people benefitted from the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program in 2008.

— Shane Battier, Houston Rockets

JR. NBA / JR. WNBA

Roger Mason Jr. (San Antonio Spurs) energizes campers during one of 12 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Summer Camps.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA is the NBA’s youth basketball development program. It supports 800,000 youngsters from more than 1,800 recreational youth basketball leagues by providing instructional basketball guides and materials to players, parents and coaches. In addition, the program hosts more than 100 events a year, including basketball clinics, tournaments, skills competitions, camps and recognition programs that feature current and former NBA and WNBA players and coaches. Led by the S.T.A.R. Pledge, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program also emphasizes the values of the game by stressing sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude and respect.

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Head Coach Nate McMillan (Portland Trail Blazers) joins Portland, Ore. community members in an annual walk-a-thon to support free physical activity classes.

NBA league and team employees help construct a KaBOOM! playground during Sales and Marketing Meetings in Miami, Fla.

NBA referee Eddie Rush welcomes a member of the U.S. military to a game during the Dallas Mavericks Seats for Soldiers night.

NBA league office employees spent more than 2,700 hours volunteering in their local communities in 2008.

— Jennifer Azzi, WNBA Cares Community Ambassador

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The NBA’s community outreach work extends beyond the league, its teams and the players. In fact, the entire NBA family, which includes former players, coaches, referees, parents, wives, community and government officials, corporate partners as well as celebrity fans, plays a vital role in enriching people’s lives. This team approach to giving back enables the NBA to engage the community in a variety of different ways and work together to have a greater impact in all communities. This commitment to positively impact people is simply the NBA way.

NBA FAMILY

Daniel Gibson (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Campy Russell (Cavaliers Legend) collect books to benefit the Cavaliers Read to Achieve Program.

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Ashley Battle (New York Liberty) works with a young girl during the dedication of a Reading & Learning Center.

In support of Breast Health Awareness, Tammy Sutton-Brown (Indiana Fever) participates in an on-court basketball exchange with a fan.

Alexis Hornbuckle and Katie Smith (Detroit Shock) plant flowers at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit during WNBA Cares Week.

The WNBA has raised more than $2 million to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

— Ruth Riley, San Antonio Silver Stars

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Through WNBA Cares, WNBA teams and players create programs and various cause-related campaigns that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. These programs promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. The WNBA’s community partners, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Heart Association, aid in the league-wide effort to make a difference in the community.

WNBA CARES

Lindsey Harding (Minnesota Lynx) promotes the importance of exercise and healthy living during a fitness clinic for young girls.

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Fred Gibson (Albuquerque Thunderbirds) spends time with young students after the dedication of a Reading & Learning Center in Lehi, Utah.

Aaron Spears (Dakota Wizards) encourages basketball fun during a basketball skills clinic in Bismarck, N.D.

Cedric Bozeman and Chet Mason (Anaheim Arsenal) work on a Habitat for Humanity house build in Provo, Utah.

NBA D-League players served Thanksgiving Dinner to more than 2,500 people in their local communities.

— Mateen Cleaves, Bakersfield Jam

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NBA D-LEAGUE CARESThrough NBA D-League Cares, the NBA Development League works to address important social issues with a special emphasis on programs that support education, local community building and youth basketball. NBA D-League teams host a variety of outreach projects that strive to enrich the lives of people who live and work in their nearby communities. Through the NBA Development League’s programs, teams also establish a close connection to their local communities by providing unparalleled time and access to the players, coaches and staff.

Lance Allred (Idaho Stampede) speaks to children about the importance of making good decisions on and off the court.

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Shawn Marion (Miami HEAT) teaches passing skills to a Special Olympics athlete during Europe Live 2008 in Paris, France.

Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards) participates in a KaBOOM! playground build in Shreveport, La.

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In China, Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) dedicates one of several Learn and Play Spaces built in partnership with the China Charity Federation.

Thanks to strong partnerships with internationally recognized community organizations, NBA Cares continues to touch people and improve communities around the world. Relationships with these partners allow the NBA to support a variety of important social issues and causes, while also being able to highlight the great work of these organizations. For more information on these organizations, the NBA’s latest community outreach efforts, and how you can help, log on to: www.nba.com/cares

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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