What do Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris have in common? If you say they’re star athletes with tremendous wealth and fame, you are not wrong. However, they are also men who care about what is happening in their city, country, and world.
A rising tide lifts all boats, but what happens when there’s a storm and some boats tip over? Sturdier ships come in to lend a hand. For athletes with the ability to provide assistance to struggling citizens, their philanthropy should be recognized.
They use their platforms to speak about social issues. They clear their calendars to spend time with the people. They reach into their wallets and share their wealth to uplift their communities. In the midst of these crazy times, the following members of the Philadelphia 76ers have shown why they don’t take for granted the influence that their NBA status has afforded them.
Ben Simmons
"“It’s amazing to see everyone come together as a community and support each other. I love this city, and I’m proud to call Philadelphia my home. Together we can overcome this.” – Ben Simmons"
Ben Simmons has been in the news lately, and not for his feisty defense or his refusal to shoot jumpers. Although he’s made critical statements of the president recently, nobody can deny that he has a big heart. Simmons has brought relief and joy by way of monetary contribution and volunteerism.
In the fall of 2019, he partnered with a nonprofit organization to donate winter coats to elementary school kids in North Philadelphia. In addition to buying coats for the youth, he also dished out money with several other NBA players to give to the Australian brush fire recovery projects. Together, they helped raise $750,000 to offer relief and rebuilding efforts to those in need in his native land.
Lastly, he helped coordinate The Philly Pledge. This endeavor helps two causes, PHL COVID-19 and Philabundance, provide social services, food, and other needed collection efforts to assist the elderly and economically disadvantaged.
Say what you will about Simmons’ game, but you cannot question his will to give back to the community.
Joel Embiid
"“As far as being in the community, helping people — people that don’t have a lot or anything at all, just me giving back here is the first step.” – Joel Embiid"
Joel Embiid is a fun-loving guy. He admits it himself that he is at his best when he is having a blast on the court or off. The enjoyment he brings to fans with his smile, humor, and charm makes him a Philly fan favorite. Yet, he puts himself out there for causes bigger than basketball. In 2017, he started a charitable foundation in his deceased brother’s name to help the youth in his home country of Cameroon. That year he contributed $25,000 to launch the foundation’s efforts.
In 2018, he gave his time to the Boys and Girls Club in Northeast Philly, giving out gifts and making the young people feel special. They chanted, “Trust the Process” as he left them a memory they’ll cherish from childhood and beyond.
Then, after he signed his max deal that makes him one of the highest paid players in the league, he pledged $500,000 to help with COVID-19 medical relief. What really painted a picture of his generosity and audacity was when he stepped up and pledged to pay the salaries of 76ers’ staff members affected by Coronavirus economic hardship. When the organization sought to make a 20 percent pay cut for some of their employees, The Process stepped in and told them to trust him.
Ownership eventually came around, after much negative press, and scratched the pay cut. Yet, Joel Embiid gave the city yet another reason to adore him.
Tobias Harris
"“We’re experiencing one of the biggest crises in the history of humankind. Being able to provide kindness to people putting their lives at risk in hospitals and supporting Philadelphia families in dire need of help is an important responsibility for me.” – Tobias Harris"
Just go ahead and say it. Tobias Harris is a good dude. How can you not like his eloquent speech and scholarly approach to life? Most times, cameras capture images of him entering the Wells Fargo Center not carrying a basket ball, but a book. Harris prides himself in learning and growing as a person. He is the type of NBA veteran that leads by example and does it consistently.
Where do we start with Harris? How about the fact that not too long after he signed his $180 million contract, he gave away $1,000,0000 to several charities to help the youth of Philadelphia. With efforts to enhance education in the city schools by promoting literacy and developing an apprenticeship program for African-American teachers, Harris has established himself as a staunch advocate for education.
Not only that, how about his willingness to march in protest of the killing of George Floyd? Controversial for a high profile athlete? Maybe. For Tobias Harris, not at all. His conviction compelled him to be out in the front lines with the people as they sought to raise awareness in hopes of positive change.
If there is one thing you can say about Tobias Harris, it is that he is not just a basketball player, content with stacking millions for an extravagant lifestyle. He gives back and will continue to do so for the city of Philadelphia.
With so much uncertainty and anxiety in the world right now, we all need a reason to believe that things will get better. These athletes, and countless others, do as much as they can to give that hope. If they have the platform, they use it for uplifting their city, country, and the entire world. We should applaud their unselfish efforts as they give to those in need. For them, basketball is their sport, but generosity and compassion is their life. When the NBA resumes in July, let’s appreciate not only their athletic gifts, but value their humanitarianism.