Away From Media Limelight, Three NBA Legends Lead Thanksgiving Food Drive in New York

Thanksgiving is not just a day for feasts and football; it’s a moment for gratitude and giving back. From Shaquille O’Neal’s annual turkey giveaways to LeBron James’ charitable work through his foundation, basketball stars have long understood the power of giving. This Thanksgiving, three former NBA players embraced this tradition by participating in a charity drive.

In an Instagram post, it was revealed that the NBA veterans, Tom Hoover, Smush Parker, and Sam Worthen, were present in a charity drive at a bustling church in New York.

“The NBRPA’s New York Chapter distributed over 500 turkeys and turkey breasts at the Church of the Accesion on 107th St in NYC as part of its 10th annual Thanksgiving food drive, lending a helping hand to families in need in New York this holiday season. Participants included NBA Legends Tom Hoover, Smush Parker, and Sam Worthen,” read the caption of the post.

On the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) roster, this trio’s efforts are based on the idea of giving back to communities around the United States. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by NBA Legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens, and Oscar Robertson and is dedicated to providing assistance to former players and their families in transition to life after basketball while also championing social causes.

Despite their varying eras and career arcs in professional basketball, Hoover, Parker, and Worthen share a common thread: They are committed to their communities. Hoover played in the NBA at the very beginning of the 1960s. His professional stats—3.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game—aren’t exactly ones to set the sport on fire these days, but his post-career contributions are.

However, on the flip side, we have Smush Parker, a name that should be known to any NBA fan from the early 2000s. Parker is best known for playing his time in the Lakers, starting with the legendary Kobe Bryant. In five seasons with the NBA, Parker averaged 9.0 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds.

Lastly comes, Sam Worthen. He was a star in his college days at Marquette University before venturing into the NBA with short but memorable appearances, including time with the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz for whom he averaged 3.5 points in 69 regular season games.

The Thanksgiving event in the Big Apple was a testament to these players’ enduring values. In an era where headlines often focus on controversies and contracts, these three NBA legends are quietly building a legacy of generosity and compassion—one meal, one handshake, one life at a time. However, they were not the only ones who were on the drive for charity this Thanksgiving.

The NBA is filled with Thanksgiving charity

This holiday season has been a showcase of NBA players using their influence for the greater good. Earlier, retired NBA legends Tom Hoover, Smush Parker, and Sam Worthen made headlines for their involvement in a New York food drive, delivering meals to families in need.

Adding to this philanthropic spirit, La La Anthony, actress and former wife of NBA star Carmelo Anthony, brought holiday cheer to Rikers Island inmates, exemplifying the diverse ways people give back during the season of gratitude.

Now, another act of kindness has taken the spotlight. Louisville native and NBA star D’Angelo Russell carried forward his Thanksgiving tradition. Last Sunday, he distributed 2,000 turkeys and perishable food items to families in need throughout West Louisville. This is not the only charitable thing the Lakers standout did this year. He donated $100,000 to the city in March so that Algonquin Park could be improved.

Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell boasts career stats that include an average of 17.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. Russell’s and others’ commitment both to the game and to giving back underscores the true essence of leadership—shining on the court and serving beyond it.