I spent some time online this afternoon watching the 2008 NBA draft live.  Memphis University’s Derrick Rose went first to the Chicago Bulls followed by KSU’s Michael Beasley to the Miami Heat.  Scandal-plagued guard OJ Mayo went fourth to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Hopes and dreams were made.  NBA trades went down between the Milwaukee Bucks, the (soon to be) Brooklyn Nets, and many other teams around the league.  For the first time in months, Kevin Durant smiled.

Some of us at TakePart are certainly sports fans (exhibit A and exhibit B), and we’re especially fans of  the league’s corporate social responsibilty (CSR) program NBA Cares.  Sure, it’s partially a marketing ploy, but like a good role player, you can’t argue with the stats:

Through this umbrella program, the NBA, its teams and players have committed to donating $100 million to charity, providing a million hours of hands on service to the community and creating 250 places where kids and families can live, learn or play.

That’s no joke - that’s serious money and time, and it directly affects the communities where these players live.  When a player like Derrick Rose gets drafted by Chicago, his hometown team, it gives him an opportunity to play in front of his old fans and use his new connection to the league to directly benefit his community.  On a personal note, as a South Louisiana native it was inspiring to see New Orleans’ professional athletes like Chris Paul reach out to the community and connect with local organizations looking to make change.

takepart and learn more about NBA star Tracy McGrady’s sister school initiative, benefiting his high school alma mater AND schools in Darfur.