Basketball
Cleveland Cavaliers Are World Champions
In the second of the “is this really happening moments,” the Cleveland Cavaliers led by LeBron James became NBA Champions, defeating the Golden State Warriors. LeBron not only brought Cleveland its first pro sports title in over 50 years, he made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit to do so.
Carmelo Anthony
Mr. Anthony stepped up in a big way in 2016 and it had nothing to do with basketball. In light of the passing of Muhammed Ali and increasing civil unrest and deteriorating relationship between police and men of color Anthony used his celebrity as a platform for change. First by being vocal. Second by gathering his peers in the form of Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James to join in. And third by taking action. Holding the first of what may be more police-community town halls to start a dialogue and plan of action for change.
Karl Anthony-Towns
Mr. Towns didn’t just join the NBA this year, he made a statement by capturing Rookie of the Year and being the first Latino to ever do so. The 7 foot Dominicano from Edison, NJ was selected first in the 2015 NBA draft, that coupled with his Kentucky basketball pedigree meant the pressure was on to deliver. Deliver he did, he played and started in all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015–16, averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The 2016-17 season looks to be no different, for you stats junkies, at 21 years old, Towns became the third-youngest player in the last three decades to have at least 45 points and 15 rebounds in a game. The force is strong with this one.