With Addition of NBA’s In Season Tournament, Las Vegas Looking Like a ‘Sure Thing’ For Basketball and Legends

NBA’s In Season Tournament, NBRPA’s Legends of Basketball Invitational, the WNBA’s Success and a Potential Las Vegas Based NBA Franchise Make This Desert Oasis Fertile Ground For NBRPA Members

By Chris Sheridan

LAS VEGAS – A’ja Wilson of the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces did not know she had a tough act to follow, but she came in at the red-carpet entrance of the NBA Cup on Saturday night right after Flavor Flav had finished talking about how he once played against Moses Malone. And how he would like to play one-on-one against Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young.

Any NBA player who has reached the finals would recognize many of the trappings: All hands on deck for ESPN, which started bringing in hundreds of staff and crew members eight days earlier; red carpets and VIP’s, a press conference with commissioner Adam Silver, just like he does at the NBA Finals and the All-Star Game, a court lighting arrangement during the game, “championship” caps afterward and the honoring of NBA Legends Dr. J, Gary Payton, LaMarcus Aldridge, Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Horry and Carlos Boozer, who were cheered when they were shown on the videoboard throughout this historic weekend - that make it feel entirely different than any NBA game played in any December in years past. 

This was quite an event put on by Silver, a game that did not count in the standings, but which awarded every player on the winning Los Angeles Lakers team a cool $500,000. (Yes, you are correct if you are thinking to yourself “I was born 20-30 years too soon”).  As many have learned - not everyone leaves Vegas a winner - but the members of the losing team also took home $200,000 apiece, which is not the worst consolation prize in the world.

This is an event no retired NBA player – or anyone else, for that matter – had ever attended.

The stands were full Saturday night as the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 to win the first In-Season Tournament, which Silver and the NBA pulled off quite nicely to an audience of viewers who knew something new and different was happening over the past couple of weeks but were not quite sure exactly what it was, or what the rules were. LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking it seriously and winning that NBA Cup brought an added level of legitimacy to a brand-new idea that was pulled off with very few hitches and further cemented Las Vegas as a basketball destination.  

A week earlier, the NBRPA held the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where Washington faced off against Colorado State and USC battled Gonzaga in the nightcap.  The common threads here - fantastic basketball being played and a formidable showing by NBRPA members.  The LOB Invitational boasted participation from Jay Williams, Detlef Schrempf, Nick Young, Sam Perkins, CJ Watson and Dan Dickau and between the two events – there was no shortage of NBA history out and about in Las Vegas. 

While “Sin City” has been home to the NBA’s Summer League for a while now, our membership’s growing presence here has not gone unnoticed.  Over the past few years, members and the Legends brand have been somewhat of a staple in Las Vegas - having staged the annual Legends Summer Getaway, WNBA All-Star events, and the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational on the famed strip.  Now, with a yearly event in the IST and the expected addition of an NBA franchise to compliment the WNBA’s back-to-back champion Las Vegas Aces – there is no doubt that the NBRPA’s impact will only increase in Las Vegas. 

What every NBRPA member should realize is that in the years ahead, this is going to be a showcase that gives ex-players a chance to be in the spotlight if they need or want it, because when Silver goes all-in on an event in a gambling town – an event that was a gamble in and of itself – and comes out looking like a winner, his next move will most certainly be a double down.

The thing to remember about Saturday night, December 9, 2023 in Las Vegas was that this event was treated in a grandiose manner by ESPN/ABC and the league office. It is going to be a major NBA event in the years ahead. Whatever tournament tiebreaker rules are changed or tweaked will not matter to retired NBA players, but what should matter is this: The opportunity to shine a spotlight on something will be there, and the only trick to getting into that spotlight will be walking into the T-Mobile Arena using the same entrance, the one with the red carpet, that the WNBA champs and the rapper with the huge watch around his neck used.

Shaq, Horry, Boozer, and the other Legends that attended will all remember being there because the NBA made being in the building feel like it was being at a major event – even though it was a new event.

Whether it’s the second edition of the IST, played next December, or the NBRPA’s events - somebody out there who once played professional basketball may want to bring some attention to something. The best place to do that is now known.

Ann Meyers Drysdale | Phoenix Mercury and Suns;

Joe Caldwell | Former ASU Basketball Star;

Paul Westphal | Former Phoenix Suns Star & Coach

CHICAGO, IL (September, 11, 2020) — On Tuesday, September 8, Paul Westphal (Naismith Basketball HOF’19, former Phoenix Suns star and coach), Ann Meyers Drysdale (HOF’13 Inductee, Phoenix Mercury and Suns executive), and Joe Caldwell (former Arizona State University basketball star) were elected to the 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class.  The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) announced the 2020 class, featuring three basketball standouts, among the seven total inductees.

Nikki Balich-Cammarata, who serves as the ASEC Executive Director issued the following statement in the official 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame press release:

“Arizona has a rich sports tradition, and this Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class exemplifies that tradition perfectly…Each of these individuals has played an important role in shaping our state’s sports history.”

Westphal, Meyers Drysdale, and Caldwell, whose contributions are highlighted below, join the following AZ Sports Hall of Fame Members:

Dick Van Arsdale (1981); Alvan Adams (1988); Jerry Colangelo (2002); Sean Elliott (2010); Fat Lever (2013); Charles Barkley (2015); Dan Majerle (2017); Tom Chambers (2019).

Paul Westphal: “The No. 8 scorer in Phoenix Suns history, Westphal played a key role on the franchise’s two NBA Finals teams. He was a star guard on the underdog team that reached the 1976 NBA Finals and then coached the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals. With his dazzling moves and elite skills, “Westy” won the hearts of the first generation of Suns fans, and his No. 44 was retired by the team in 1989. After the Suns fell behind the Los Angeles Lakers two games to none in a best-of-five series in the 1993 playoffs, Westphal famously guaranteed that his team would rally to win the series – which it did, extending a run that ended in Game 6 of the Finals. Westphal also led Grand Canyon University to the 1988 NAIA national title. Westphal is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.” - ASEC

Ann Meyers Drysdale: “A basketball pioneer, Ann Meyers Drysdale came to Phoenix as the General Manager of the Phoenix Mercury and Vice President of the Phoenix Suns. Meyers Drysdale played a role in all three of the Mercury’s WNBA titles. Meyers Drysdale now serves the Mercury and Suns as a Vice President and broadcaster. Meyers Drysdale made history when she became the first woman to receive a Division I athletics scholarship, from UCLA. She became a four-time All-American and led the Bruins to their only women’s national title in 1978. Meyers Drysdale was the first draft pick of the Women’s Professional Basketball League, the nation’s first women’s pro league and a forerunner to the WNBA and earned co-MVP in 1979-80. She later became the first woman to sign an NBA contract, trying out for the Indiana Pacers in 1980.” - ASEC

Jumpin’ Joe Caldwell: “Caldwell, nicknamed “Jumpin’ Joe,” set the career scoring record at ASU with 1,515 points (18.2 per game) and is the school’s No. 2 all-time rebounder with 929 (11.2 per game). Caldwell led the Sun Devils to the NCAA tournament in his three varsity seasons – 1962-64. Caldwell was team captain all three years and MVP in 1963 and 1964, and the school retired his No. 32 in 2010. He won a gold medal with the 1964 U.S. men’s basketball team in Tokyo. Caldwell spent six seasons in the NBA and five in the ABA, earning All-Star honors twice in each league.” - ASEC

Every year, the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators, and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports.  The 2020 class was selected by a vote of trustees and the public.  An honorary ceremony will take place on April 23, 2021, during the Crest Insurance Group Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

A qualifying candidate can: (1) be from Arizona, or (2) must have lived in Arizona and is recognized as an Arizonan.  Additionally, they must have left a tangible mark on the Arizona athletics community, generating two or more significant contributions to sport.

For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

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Media Contact:

NBRPA Member Alert • 312-913-9400 • memberalert@legendsofbasketball.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission owns the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1957 by the Phoenix Press Box Association. The Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports. To be eligible for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, an individual must meet one of three criteria: a native of Arizona; immediately recognized as an Arizonan; have made at least two significant contributions to the athletics community in Arizona. For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

About the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988. The Commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games. ASEC was the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For more information about the Commission call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.

New Expanded Multimedia Platform to Showcase the Stories, Successes, Lessons and Personalities of NBA and WNBA Legends

Chicago, ILL. (August 25, 2020) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the expansion and launch of Legends Media & Entertainment (LME), a multifaceted storytelling platform that will produce, distribute and quantify the wide reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars. The content will span the history of both leagues and feature more recent alums of the game ranging from Sheryl Swoopes and Grant Hill to the sport’s greatest legends and business successes on and off the court, delivered through all forms of media, from print and spoken word to long and short form video.

The NBRPA represents over 1,000 former NBA and WNBA players, making it the largest agency of its kind in basketball. This has allowed for direct access to players for opportunities domestically and internationally.

“With the creation of LME, we are building a multimedia platform for some of the most compelling men and women connected to basketball’s history and culture under one umbrella, something which has been asked for, and needed for some time,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “LME will be a vibrant stop for fans, businesses and others who want to enjoy, learn and explore the amazing stories of our Legends both on and off the court. These stories are some of the best in the global business of sport, and now we can house them under one impactful roof.”

NBA Champion and NBRPA Director Caron Butler adds, “Every NBA and WNBA player has a story to tell and Legends Media & Entertainment offers ALL Legends a platform to tell their stories and let their voices be heard.”

Some of the key unified elements of LME will include:

Legends Magazine which debuted in 2018 and is the official publication for NBA and WNBA Legends. Produced quarterly, Legends Magazine has featured cover stories about NBRPA Director Caron Butler, Jerry Stackhouse, Elton Brand, Jamal Mashburn and “The Knuckleheads” – Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. Each issue is delivered to all former players, active players, coaches, stakeholders, influencers and league officials worldwide.

Legends Studios also debuted in 2018 with the launch of original live-action and animated short videos and two podcasts, the All-Access Legends Podcast and On Deck with Scott Rochelle. In April 2020, Legends Live, a weekly web series broadcasted to multiple social media platforms featuring live conversations with NBA and WNBA Legends, was added to the Legends Studios portfolio. In addition to 32 standard episodes, Legends Live also covered the 2020 WNBA Draft and ESPN’s The Last Dance with live commentary from Legends. Last week, media personality Tyler Johnson, aka Trill Withers, joined the LME team as host of Legends Live, where he will spend time with many of the game’s most successful and dynamic personalities and business people. Johnson will also be a key contributor to Legends Magazine, the All-Access Legends Podcast and the NBRPA’s social media strategy and content.

To follow along with LME content from the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni.

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Media Contact:

Joe Favorito • 917-566-8345 • joefavorito2@gmail.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

New Platform to Drive Brand Partnership Opportunities for Legends

Chicago (August 14, 2020) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association today announced their official partnership with SwayBrand, a platform that helps brands connect with influencers. The new relationship will bring such brand deal opportunities directly to NBRPA Legends through an easy-to-use mobile app.

SwayBrand specializes in creating and bringing authentic partnerships to life that span a wide range of price points. Legends will be paired with companies that share a strong alignment to their voice and values, and in turn will execute uniquely tailored creative content. The process makes it easy for Legends to earn income from appearances and continue building their own booking opportunities with similar brands.

“There is so much talent within the NBRPA, and we are constantly receiving requests for these Legends to share their voice,” says NBRPA President & CEO Scott Rochelle. “This new partnership with SwayBrand will streamline this process, giving Legends the chance to manage and grow their own opportunities all in one user-friendly platform.”

SwayBrand, a black-owned business, first launched in 2018 and has quickly made strides in the brand marketing space. In January 2020, SwayBrand won the NFL Players Association Pitch Day competition in the Athlete-Led Startup category, winning cash prizes and the right to player-marketing opportunities, as well as Amazon Web Services. The new deal with the NBRPA will be SwayBrand’s first exclusive relationship.

“At SwayBrand, we offer diverse and authentic deals across a range of investment classes, ensuring brands and talent are effectively matched to maximize returns for all parties involved,” says Co-Founder Horace Flournoy. “We are thrilled to be working with the NBRPA to bring partnership opportunities to each and every Legend.”

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Media Contacts:

Scott Rochelle, srochelle@legendsofbasketball.com, (312) 913-9400

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About SwayBrand:

SwayBrand is an all new, exclusive marketplace that connects brands, small to enterprise, with multicultural talent for video content, insights and specialized bookings.  The SwayBrand marketplace will feature "Authentikas", or diverse selections of athletes, artists, celebrities and other social media ambassadors that exclusively partner with brands that they actually use or discover and love.  The all new app and brand experience will launch late June.