Love is the answer at Aaron Gordon’s Dunk Fest
Aaron Gordon has been on everyone’s radar ever since the Dunk Contest in February. He is using his newfound stardom to bring people together this summer.
The first annual Dunk Fest was held at Los Angeles’ famous Venice Beach Boardwalk in front of a packed crowd this past weekend. The event began with a youth camp teaching the fundamentals of basketball to kids before switching gears to men’s five-on-five games. A moment of silence was held for recent victims of gun violence, and lastly, the main event: a world-class dunk competition.
Mixed in among the crazy dunks and basketball was a message of love. And at the center of that message — at the center of the entire event — was the Orlando Magic’s 20-year-old burgeoning forward Aaron Gordon.
The Dunk Fest brought together people of many ages and races to one place to have a good time. After a moment of silence where Gordon and other players joined hands with members of the local police force, Gordon delivered a message that seems wise beyond his year (via Dan Carson of FOXSports.com):
"“We all come from a place of love, we all want to be loved. I really think that’s what the key is to it. You can love the person next to you, no matter their skin color. Wherever they’re from, whatever they’ve been through … just to be out here and play basketball, and do what we love to do. And be able to do it together. We have the potential. We have the capability … we’re going in the right direction, so love is the word. Love is the word.”"
Aside from the Dunk Fest, Aaron Gordon has hosted various youth camps around his hometown in the Northern California area. Gordon is using his newfound stardom and influence in his community for a very good cause.
Gordon knows that he has a bit of the spotlight and will do his best to spread a message of love without getting caught up in the hype, as reported by Alysha Tsuji of USA Today:
"“I’m indifferent to it. I like to be myself wherever I go around as many people as I can possibly be, and spread my message,” Gordon said. “My message is coming from a place of genuine love and peace. The more that I can spread that, the better for me.”"
Aaron Gordon has found his niche, Dunks.
There is no denying that fans all around the NBA will be looking for highlights from him whenever he comes to their town, and he knows it. His jaw-dropping aerial shows have gained Gordon some notoriety, and he is taking advantage. Not by endorsements or sponsorships, although that is most like part of it as well.
Aaron Gordon is using his platform to reach the youth and give back to the community that supported him in his childhood.
As the years go by, and Gordon gets better, the opportunity to impact lives will be more frequent and even bigger than the First Annual Dunk Fest. Gordon is heading in the right direction.
Being such a young player in the league, he might not have the resources to do everything he wants, yet, but this is a start.
When asked what it means to him to be able to give back to his hometown Gordon had this to say, according to Alysha Tsuji:
"“Every single person, every single kid is capable and has potential to do whatever they want to in this world. I chose basketball. Basketball chose me. It’s what I’m passionate about. I just want to try and light a fire under the kids and make them passionate about something,” Gordon said. “It doesn’t have to be about basketball, but I want them to be passionate about something. And if they follow that passion diligently, disciplined and persistently, then everything else will fall in line for them.”"
As Gordon continues to entertain NBA fans and basketball fans in general, his brand will also continue to grow. His reach will widen to areas outside of California, and more people will receive his message.
Next: Everyone is asking: What are the Orlando Magic doing?
Aaron Gordon is not only becoming a superstar on the court, but he is also becoming a superstar in his community.