Barnes has a chance to become the first Spur to win the award, which recognizes current NBA players who engage, empower and drive equality in their communities.
SAN ANTONIO — First-year San Antonio Spurs small forward Harrison Barnes played a big role for his new team on the court, but his impact was just as strong off it throughout the Alamo City.
That community work has resulted in the NBA naming Barnes a finalist for the 2024-2025 Social Justice Champion award.
“Barnes demonstrates steadfast commitment in the areas of education, community development, and social equality,” the NBA said in an official announcement this week.
The award is named after Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and recognizes current NBA players for “pursuing social justice and upholding the league’s decades-long values of equality, respect and inclusion.”
In March, the Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Fund – a partnership with his wife – launched a three-city court refurbishment initiative to provide high-quality basketball courts to underserved communities.
“I’m incredibly excited to see this court come to life in San Antonio,” Barnes in a release at the time. “Brittany and I are very passionate about giving back to our communities. This court isn’t just a place to play basketball, but it’s a safe space for kids and families to connect, grow and build something special. San Antonio is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to revealing more courts in Austin and beyond.”
On Feb. 18, the Barneses donated $250,000 to the AlamoPROMISE tuition-free program, which benefits students at St. Philip’s College, a Historically Black College and University and Hispanic-serving institution within the Alamo Colleges District, and the only one in the nation.
“Harrison and Brittany Barnes’ generous investment in AlamoPROMISE is not just a gift – it’s a catalyst for change,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo College District’s chancellor, in a release. “Their support will open doors for students at St. Philip’s College, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of educational and career success.”
The Barneses say they were drawn to give to AlamoPROMISE because they believe in the power of education and the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students to achieve their goals.
“Throughout my career I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the power of community and support. Now, as part of the San Antonio community, we are honored to give back and help invest in the future of this incredible city. Partnering with AlamoPROMISE and St. Philip’s College is my way of ensuring that young people here have the resources and opportunities to succeed,” said Harrison in a release. “It’s about creating lasting change, building bridges, and supporting the next generation of leaders. My wife and I are both deeply committed to being advocates for this community, and together, we’re excited to make a meaningful impact and help open doors for local college students to chase their dreams.”
Then, in December, Barnes donated $50,000 to support UNICEF USA’s humanitarian aid efforts across the United States.
Barnes also donated $100,000 to Athletes in Action, which helps develop athletes mentally, physically and spiritually, according to the NBA.
Barnes has a chance to become the first Spur to win the award. The other four finalists are Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics) and CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans).
The recipient of the award will be announced during the NBA Playoffs and receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy, along with $100,000 from the NBA to donate to an organization of their choosing.