BOSTON – Between now and the 2016 Presidential election, the money being funneled into various candidates’ campaigns will come from the coffers of many – including the NBA.
We’re still early in the process but there are already a number of NBA folks who have lent their support – and money - to various candidates.
Doug and Richard Devos, owners of the Orlando Magic, have already given $50,000 towards the campaign of Republican candidate Jeb Bush.
On the Democratic slate, front-runner Hillary Clinton has benefited more than any other candidate from those tied to the NBA with both current league commissioner Adam Silver ($2,700) and his predecessor David Stern ($5,400) each contributing to her campaign.
But the money being poured into campaigns thus far has done little to slow the momentum of Republican candidate and multi-billionaire Donald Trump, who has dominated the headlines in the race thus far, which has helped propel him to being at or near the top of most polls.
Here’s a closer look at which presidential candidates have received campaign donations thus far.
Also, around the NBA …
- Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson may be taking his talents to the Philippines. Here’s why.
- Malden, Mass. native and Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel has spent time this summer in Newport, R.I. working on his game with a handful of folks including former Boston Celtics head coach John Carroll. Developing a jumper is just one of the many goals Noel has set out to accomplish this season.
- And from the “What ever happened to…” file we have former Celtic Semih Erden who was rumored to be mulling a possible return to the NBA. That doesn’t appear to be the case. Instead, all indications are that the Turkish-born center will continue to play closer to home.
- Charlotte’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist became the latest player from the 2012 NBA draft to sign a lucrative, long-term contract extension when he and the Hornets agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal. With MKG’s deal complete, the next highest draft pick from 2012 without a new deal is Washington’s Bradley Beal who was the No. 3 pick.
- There’s a lot of uncertainty as to whether he will get a deal done prior to the start of the 2015-2016 season. Comcast SportsNet’s Mid-Atlantic Insider J. Michael sheds some light on the situation.
- And last but certainly not least, a special s/o to Tommy Heinsohn who is 81 years young today. I’m proud to call this man a colleague and a friend.