Brianna Williams
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry‘s offseason started with plenty of celebrating for earning his fourth NBA championship and first NBA Finals MVP.
He’s continuing the break from his day job with a side gig hosting this year’s ESPYS.
“I’ve had the pleasure of attending The ESPYS but never imagined I’d have the privilege of hosting this special event,” Curry said in a statement. “As someone who loves the intersection of sports and entertainment, I look forward to delivering an exciting show for the fans while we celebrate the athletes who created the top moments of the year.”
Curry is the ninth athlete to host the award show.
But he isn’t the only NBA player with interesting offseason activities. From star-studded nuptials to surprise Drew League showings and more, players around the association have been quite busy this summer.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
James returned to The Drew League, a pro-am summer basketball league based in Los Angeles, for the first time in 11 years.
He posted a stat line of 42 points, 16 rebounds and 4 steals in the MMV Cheaters’ 104-102 win.
My dog Debo!!! @DeMar_DeRozan ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/Gc4P34GmUn
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 17, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
On June 24, “Rise,” an original film that documents his family’s journey, was released on Disney+.
The premiere was also a family affair. Brothers Francis, Thanasis and Kostas were alongside the six-time All-Star.
The player from Southern California, a Drew League staple, scored 39 points in his debut for the summer pro-am league and later joined James on the MMV Cheaters.
A summer tradition since he was 14 years old, Compton’s @DeMar_DeRozan made his season debut at #TheDrew for the MMV Cheaters today. pic.twitter.com/DlcSCE1loY
— Drew League (@DrewLeague) July 3, 2022
In one of the more niche activities, the 6-foot-11 center built a life-size Lego statue of himself as Darth Vader from Star Wars. Turner went viral for his hobby in March.
100,000 Pieces I present to you…Darth Myles 🤓 pic.twitter.com/9KloKgC6si
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) June 3, 2022
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Love tied the knot with Canadian model Kate Bock, and teammates present and past were in attendance.
Paul was back in New Orleans, where he was drafted in 2005, to attend the Essence Festival. The NBA vet and HBCU advocate discussed Season 3 of the ESPN+ series Why Not Us, which premieres Aug. 11 and will follow the Southern University Fabulous Dancing Dolls.
