What does basketball do for society? Well, it’s given someone like Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith the platform and the ability to publish a children’s book with his brother, Chris Smith.
“HoopSmiths” is now available for purchase on Amazon for $16.95 with the following description:
J.R. and Chris both have dreams of playing in the NBA, but they quickly realize they can’t do it alone. Join these two brothers on their quest of commitment as they learn the value of teamwork and work toward achieving their ultimate goal!
JR Smith and his brother, Chris, released a children’s book on Tuesday about growing up together and helping each other succeed in basketball. A portion of the book's proceeds will go to the JR Smith Youth Foundation. pic.twitter.com/CtRH9lW4Pi
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 18, 2018
So the game of basketball has allowed JR Smith and his brother to produce something that speaks directly to youth and emphasizes positive values. The idea of a basketball player producing a children’s book isn’t conventional. The idea of JR Smith, the tattooed, shirtless wonder producing a children’s book might be even more unconventional to people.
But that’s an example of how basketball is using people to impact society, similar to the world’s best player in LeBron James helping to build a school in his hometown.
And don’t overlook how doing this can even inspire young basketball players who aspire to be authors or artists. That’s the trickle-down effect when it comes to basketball having the ability to transform society.