Chicago’s Windy City was home to NBA All-Star Weekend. The star studded event attracted millions of fans, sports enthusiasts, and business professionals together. Adam Silver and the NBPA done a fantastic job highlighting the importance of human connectivity, with the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, David Stern, and daughter Gigi, athletes have unified together to celebrated to unique legacies that been left. The power of sport continues be impactful from a global standpoint, the NBA has influenced the culture of business through the extension of their NBPA (National Basketball Players Association).
Under the guidance of Adam silver and the players union we are beginning to see popular trends pertaining to topics of wellness, community development, and mental health. Here at TGQ.Inc our team had the pleasure to indulge into the festivities of All-Star weekend. A unique combination of private mixer events, business panels, and brand activations were all in the beautiful Windy City. Events from industry leading brands and companies featuring: Roc Nation, Def Jam, NBPA, NBA Academy, FIBA, Puma Hoops, Nike, and more. Below is a recap of the All-Star Weekend in Chi-Town.
Photography by: @tgq.inc
“The touch that the NBA showed was nothing short of remarkable!”
Basketball Without Borders
The 6th annual Basketball Without Borders camp went down this past All-Star Weekend in Chicago. NBA and Fiba selected the top 64 international prospects (boys + girls) hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Camp rosters also includes prospects from the NBA Academies. Basketball Without Borders has been recognized as an integral development program that has produced prominent NBA Athletes. According to the NBA, 30 former Basketball Without Borders attendees were active/inactively in the NBA. This long list includes Pascal Siakkam, R.J. Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Deandre Ayton, and more. Former camp attendees Pascal Siakkam, David Bertans, Tacko Fall, and Lauri Markkanen all graced the BWB camp with their coaching presence, as well as Vin Baker, Josh Longstaff, Ben Sullivan, and John Azzinaro.
The BWB Camp was comprised of a variety of actives and drills highlighting skills development, movement + efficiency, and competitive scrimmages. Camp concluded with tournament style games with NBA executives and scouts in attendance. The NBA provided all BWB campers with an intimate NBA experience powered by NBA All-Star Weekend. Over the course of 5 years, it's incredible to witness the growth of basketball from a global spectrum. Through the work of BWB , the NBA has been able to impact 30 countries across six continents. The NBA is the most progressive sports league in the world, and with Adam Silver at the helm the advancement of NBA will continue to impact communities across the globe.
Photography by: Nicole Sweet (@nicolesweetsphoto) , NBA ACADEMY (@nbaacademy)
“This is unbelievable for us its a huge step. Camp has been great.. the kids have to understand that this is big”
B.I.G. Summit
Business Inside The Game and the good people at S.L.I.C. hosted an intimate panel featuring prominent industry leaders, NBA executives, + business professionals. A wide variety of topics pertaining to the art of business, philosophies of storytelling, futures plans of the NBA, as we all the impact of Kobe Bryant was all discussed. Guest speakers included a long list of iconic figures such as Executive Director of NBPA Michele Roberts, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, former 2-Time NBA champion Isaiah Thomas, and Former 2x NBA All-Star Baron Davis. Powerful conversation traveled across the room leaving the future leaders to go out in the world and continue to leave their mark. The incredible S.L.I.C. media team converted on an amazing event weekend that embodied the true essence of Sports, Lifestyle, & Culture. Until next year Chi-Town!
“I think that this death somehow, someway made people want to gravitate towards each other. The unfortunate loss of Mr. Stern and Kobe woke everybody up.”
LeagueFits Lounge X PUMA
SLAM x LeagueFits curated an exclusive experience for the folks at All-Star Weekend ’20. LeagueFits Lounge was powered by PUMA, and was open to the public who got an intimate look at the new releases by PUMA. The star-studded event included some prominent figures within Sports, entertainment, and culture. The long list features Kyle Kuzma, Dave East, Chris Brickley, Jadakiss, Chuck D, God Shammgod + more. The 2-day event was a one stop shop for everything related All-Star with a private lounge for guests to indulge in the ultimate fan experience.
On the final day LeagueFits lounge PUMA x Def Jam hosted “A Play For Change”: panel discussion on the influence of hip-hop and sneaker culture. It was a pleasurable sight to witness New York’s pioneers of our culture from Chuck D + Public Enemy, Jadakiss + The L.O.X. , to the rise of Harlem’s own Dave East. Also Harlem’s basketball Legend God Shammgod was in attendance adding to the panel his extension of life experience that influence the brightest star in the NBA. Under the Guidance of Roc Nation Founder Jay-Z, Puma will continue to create new trend in fashion for urban communities across the world. As for NBA athletes, they continue to grace our culture with fashionable fits, and inspiration with a unique flair of style.
PUMA HOOPS
LeagueFits Lounge Powered by: PUMA
“When You’re a creator in this room or you just here to buy some kicks. Read, write and listen because s**t is moving fast.”
69th NBA All-Star Game
The 69th All-Star game was a unique display of the NBA’s top 24 players in a competitive Arena. The legacy of Kobe Bryant was circulated throughout the United Centre Sunday Night. The tributes from the fans, athletes, and executives were heartfelt. Under the circumstances the NBA has faced with the loss of David Stern, Kobe Bryant, and Gigi, NBA All-star provided millions of fans with a performance for the ages. Team Giannis was lead by none other than their leader Mr. Antetokounmpo, who was matched up against LeBron James.
The game was a high scoring one combining for a total of 312 points. But it was Kawhi and Team LeBron who stole the show of NBA All-Star weekend, scoring a game-high of 30 points Leonard received the Kobe Bryant Kia MVP award. Leonard continues to leave his mark for many years to come, just a season ago he led the Toronto Raptors their first franchise title. No matter the size of the stage Leonard has showed that he can rise to the occasion. Kawhi is a star amongst the NBA’s brightest stars. One thing that was a highlight of the night was Kawhi’s MVP speech, he dedicated the MVP award to his mentor and great legend Kobe Bryant. The two spent countless hours together throughout the summers working out, watching film, etc. Bryant would be proud of his protege. Kawhi also drained 8 three pointers in the Team LeBron’s victory.
Photography by: Nicole Sweet (@nicolesweetsports) , NBA Academy (@nbaacademy)
“I want to thank Kobe for everything he’s done for me. All the long talks and workouts. Thank you. This one’s for him. ”
Events
Basketball Without Borders Powered by: @ fiba x @nike
Big Summit Powered by: @S.Li.C.
LeagueFits Lounge Powered by: @Puma + @defjam
NBA All-Star Game Powered by: @Jumpan23
Photography by: Nicole Sweet (@nicolesweetsports) + (@nbaacademy)
Art Direction by: @tgq.inc
Produced by: @tgq.inc