NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2020 -- In support for their country and the brave individuals standing on the frontlines of the bushfires in the region, nine Australian NBA Players have partnered with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to contribute $750,000 USD towards relief and recovery efforts. Aron Baynes (Phoenix Suns), Jonah Bolden and Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers), Ryan Broekhoff (Dallas Mavericks), Matthew Dellavedova and Dante Exum (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz), Thon Maker (Detroit Pistons) and Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs) will provide support to organizations across the country to aid immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding projects.

“We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland,” expressed the players in a joint statement. “Our thoughts are with our families, friends and all of the people of Australia. We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can.”

Sherrie Deans, executive director of the NBPA Foundation, said, “Our players have a deep connection to the places where they grew up and have always responded with generosity and compassion in the aftermath of disasters. The Foundation’s board is committed to extending our long-standing support of players’ financial contributions in response to disasters through this joint effort.”

All media inquiries should be directed to Elle Hagedorn (elle.hagedorn@nbpa.com) and Chantal Romain (cromain@nba.com).

About the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation:

Established in 1997, The National Basketball Players Association Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members and providing support and assistance to persons, communities and organizations throughout the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need. Through grants that match players’ philanthropy and charitable giving, the Foundation highlights and accelerates the real and collaborative work that basketball players do worldwide to build their communities and create meaningful change.

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