Those of us who grew
up playing basketball,
whether on a playground in the
city or a farm in the heartland,
are grateful to the game for
the lessons it teaches us
about life.
Lessons like: respect is
something won by what you do,
not what you're born with.
Or you can talk a good game all
you want, but when it matters,
you better back it up.
Or if you want to marry a
girl like my wife Michelle...
you'd better be able
to impress her brother
on the basketball court.
Tonight, we celebrate
individual excellence.
But we remember that
throughout the game's history,
its greatest players
- its champions -
are those who don't just
perfect their own game,
but make those around
them better.
Who unite one team
around one shared goal.
They know a simple truth that's
as relevant today as ever:
in America, we rise
and fall together.
In this time of so much
need in our communities
and across our country, we
are blessed with endless ways
to restore hope and opportunity
in places that yearn for both.
Prepare a CARE package
for a soldier.
Read to a child.
Or fix up a local
basketball court
so the next generation
can play and grow.
I encourage everyone
to join the NBA
in the spirit of
service to others.
Just log on to USAService.org
to find
or create a project near you,
then gather some
friends and lace 'em up.
All of us have it within our
power to get off the bench,
get in the game, and make
a lasting contribution
to the life of this nation.
I hope you all answer the call,
and join in the vital work
of remaking this
country we love.
Thank you.