https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32090125/nba-players-union-help-renovate-court-rucker-park "We are incredibly honored to be entrusted with the renovation of Rucker Park," NBPA executive director Michele Roberts said in a statement. "The Rucker is legendary in the basketball world. Many of our past and present members honed their skills and established their reputations on this court. Through this renovation, we aim to preserve the rich history of the park while ensuring that future generations of players -- and the Harlem community as a whole -- can further enhance its incredible legacy." Rucker Park is named after Holcombe Rucker, a local teacher and playground director for the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. He started a basketball tournament in 1950 to help underprivileged children achieve college dreams. The park became a legendary basketball site, with NBA stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant coming to play pickup games-ESPN Rucker Park is known globally and revered by many of todays top players and past legends. I've watched quite a few games from Rucker over the years and no matter who's playing it's always exciting because of that New York/Harlem vibe. Many NBA players won't play there for fear of getting made by some unknown. I've seen guys play on that court that could play in the league tomorrow and never get the chance. The immense talent that congregates here is amazing. I'm glad this is happening Kobe Iverson KD Dr J MJ, D-Wade & Melo