When the Kings signed Harrison Barnes to a new four-year contract last summer, it was with the understanding that he brings much more to the table than his skill on the court.
The veteran forward is known for his work ethic and professionalism in the locker room and onto the practice floor. Barnes also shines off the court where he continues to earn notoriety around the league for his work with the Boys and Girls Club, as well as countless social justice initiatives around the United States.
On Friday, Barnes was added to the newly formed NBA Foundation’s board of directors. He will serve alongside Michael Jordan, Gail Benson, Adam Silver, Tobias Harris, Tony Ressler, Michele Roberts and Larry Tanenbaum.
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From the official press release: “NBA Foundation will drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement, seeking to increase access and support for high school, college-aged and career-ready men and women, and assist national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development in NBA markets and communities across the United States and Canada.”
Earliet this week, Barnes was honored as one of five recipients of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, along with Chris Paul, Jaylen Brown, George Hill and Dwight Powell.
Barnes, along with his wife Brittany, is credited with donating close to $500,000 this year alone, with funds going to feed the hungry, the Dallas Boys and Girls Club, the refurbishment of Ames High School -- his alma mater -- and eight $25,000 donations to foundations started by the families of victims of police brutality and gun violence.
NBA
“It is a great honor to be named among the winners of the NBA Community Assist Award, which I proudly share with my wife, Brittany,” Barnes said in a prepared statement Monday. “Brittany and I remain committed to helping the communities we are connected to, specifically showing our support for families affected by police brutality. We dedicate this award to the legacy of Breonna Taylor and we stand with organizations such as #SayHerName with African American Policy Forum to shine a light on Black women and girls who have been victims of police brutality. We cannot forget them, and the Black men senselessly killed. Our efforts are not done, and we will continue to make a difference to fuel racial and social justice.”
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Barnes, 28, is entering the second season of his new contract in Sacramento.
He has become a leader both on and off the court for the Kings and an impactful member of the Sacramento community.