
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 15, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 15, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a celebration in the world of basketball today. The hoop fans around the world are celebrating the inaugural World Basketball Day. Earlier this year, on August 23rd, the United Nations declared that the 21st of December will be celebrated as World Basketball Day in honor of Dr. Dr. James Naismith.
It was on December 21st, 1891 that Dr. Naismith introduced the game of basketball in Springfield, MA. Soon it became popular within the country and now it is one of the most popular sports globally. Fans are not alone in this celebration as NBA stars and veterans are matching their excitement.
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The biggest celebration in the basketball world
The game of basketball has truly stood the test of time. Today, neither the sport nor its biggest superstars need an introduction in any corner of the world. This is a product of the relentless efforts that have been made for decades to make this sport a global phenomenon. While basketball is played globally and is an Olympic sport as well, the biggest thing in the world of basketball is the NBA. The league boasts some of the biggest global icons, across sports. The NBA is truly the soul of the sport and despite being centered in America attracts global talent and fan following.
The NBA today announced its celebrations of the first-ever World Basketball Day.
Established by the UN on Aug. 23, #WorldBasketballDay will be observed annually on Dec. 21 – the day Dr. James Naismith introduced the game in Springfield, MA in 1891.
More: https://t.co/QsRMaSIlA9 pic.twitter.com/BV8wk70byA
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 21, 2023
Among countless achievements and milestones of the sport, what creates an authentic dominance is the cultural impact the sport has had. Basketball is played by nearly 600 million people across the world. On this special occasion, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is thrilled to join fans across the world to celebrate. Silver said, “The NBA family is thrilled to join the global basketball community in celebrating the first World Basketball Day. More than 130 years after Dr. James Naismith invented the game at the Springfield YMCA, World Basketball Day is a reminder of basketball’s ability to transcend borders, cultures, and languages and unite people around the world”.
Devin Booker and JJ Redick join the hoop world in celebration
The Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker shared a post on his Instagram story, celebrating the momentous occasion. Apart from Booker, NBA veteran JJ Redick joined the fans in this celebration.
Redick posted on X, “Today is the UN’s inaugural “World Basketball Day”. Happy celebration to all you Sickos. Truly grateful for this amazing sport.”
Today is the UN’s inaugural “World Basketball Day”. Happy celebration to all you Sickos ™️. Truly grateful for this amazing sport.
— JJ Redick (@jj_redick) December 21, 2023
The Utah Jazz have launched a special campaign with Jordan Clarkson to mark the day.
🏀Celebrate the first-ever #WorldBasketballDay🏀
Join our global celebration with the @utahjazz's Jordan Clarkson and share your love of the game by using #WorldBasketballDay and tagging @nba and @jrnba‼️ pic.twitter.com/RD1jhx15L9
— Jr. NBA (@jrnba) December 21, 2023
The official handle for the Basketball Hall of Fame shared some memorable pictures of “our GOAT Dr. James Naismith”, thanking for creating this beautiful sport.
It all started 132 years ago today in a small gymnasium at Springfield College.
To our GOAT Dr. James Naismith, thank you for creating a lifetime of memories for basketball fans around the world.
Happy Birthday Basketball. 🏀🎂
📸: Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images pic.twitter.com/XreG8j3ia6
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) December 21, 2023
Fans poured their emotions in replies, showing gratitude toward Dr. Naismith
Little did he know. 🏀❤️
— Aaron Milk Jr. II (@stilldairyasf) December 21, 2023
One fan reflected on the beginnings of the sport and the vision behind it
Basketball was born from peach baskets and a Humanics philosophy. Respect to Naismith and Springfield College.
— Random Bullshit Go!!!! (@eliteseniordev) December 21, 2023
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A simple thank you goes a long way, and an X user and hoop fan did just that
Give thanks. 🫱🏾🫲🏼 💯
— ꀘꄲꄲ꒒ꌩ ꀘꄲꄲ꒒ (@KoolGotGame) December 21, 2023
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What’s your special memory related to basketball? Tell us what the sport means to you in the comments below.
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