J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
The National Basketball Association established the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award to honor James Walter Kennedy, who served as the league's second president and later commissioner. This recognition began in an era when professional athletes were increasingly expected to engage with their local communities beyond the court. The award was created to highlight individuals who demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to community work. It stands apart from awards focused on athletic performance or statistical achievement. By naming it after Kennedy, the league connected its history of leadership with a commitment to civic responsibility.
Members of the Pro Basketball Writers Association handle every step of choosing the annual recipient. These writers represent newspapers, magazines, and internet services that cover the NBA on a regular basis. They begin by nominating players for the award based on their charitable contributions. A vote is then taken by approximately 150 PBWA members to determine the winner. The person with the highest point total wins the award each year. This process ensures that the selection comes from journalists who observe the league closely rather than from team management or fans.
Kevin Garnett received the award after donating $1.2 million toward Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. His contribution represented a substantial financial commitment during a time of widespread devastation along the Gulf Coast. The award usually goes to a person who made a substantial charitable contribution to help those in need. Such donations often support disaster relief, youth programs, or healthcare initiatives within struggling neighborhoods. The scale of these gifts demonstrates how professional athletes can leverage their earnings for public good.
Vlade Divac of Yugoslavia, now Serbia, became one of the few winners not born in the United States. Dikembe Mutombo came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Pau Gasol represented Spain. Canadians Steve Nash was born in South Africa, Samuel Dalembert in Haiti, and Luol Deng in South Sudan. J.J. Barea won the 2018 award despite being born in Puerto Rico, where residents are U.S. citizens by birth. These international players brought global perspectives to American community service and expanded the award's reach beyond domestic borders.
Frank Layden served as head coach for the Utah Jazz when he received the award. Joe O'Toole worked as an athletic trainer for the Atlanta Hawks before earning recognition. They remain the only non-players to win the award since its inception. Their inclusion highlights that civic engagement extends beyond active roster members to coaches and staff. This broadens the scope of who can be recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the community within the league structure.
Dikembe Mutombo stands alone as the only individual to receive this award twice. He first won it with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 and again with the Houston Rockets in 2009. No other player has matched his record of repeated recognition for community work. His dual victories underscore a sustained commitment rather than a single act of generosity. The rarity of multiple wins makes each instance particularly significant within the history of the award.
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Common questions
Who established the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award?
The National Basketball Association established the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award to honor James Walter Kennedy, who served as the league's second president and later commissioner.
How are recipients of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award selected?
Members of the Pro Basketball Writers Association handle every step of choosing the annual recipient by taking a vote among approximately 150 PBWA members to determine the winner based on charitable contributions.
What specific donation did Kevin Garnett make for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts?
Kevin Garnett received the award after donating $1.2 million toward Hurricane Katrina relief efforts during a time of widespread devastation along the Gulf Coast.
Which international players have won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award?
Vlade Divac of Yugoslavia became one of the few winners not born in the United States while Dikembe Mutombo came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Pau Gasol represented Spain.
Who are the only non-players to win the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award since its inception?
Frank Layden served as head coach for the Utah Jazz when he received the award and Joe O'Toole worked as an athletic trainer for the Atlanta Hawks before earning recognition.
When did Dikembe Mutombo receive his second J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award?
Dikembe Mutombo stands alone as the only individual to receive this award twice with his first win occurring with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 and again with the Houston Rockets in 2009.