" I always wanted to do NBA Cares but they didn’t want me to represent the league. I just did Matt Cares instead. I went to Africa by myself to do camps and clinics. "
- Matt Barnes

The speaker in this quote expresses their desire to participate in NBA Cares programs but encountered resistance from the league when they wanted to represent it officially. As a result, instead of giving up on their goal, they decided to take matters into their own hands and launched "Matt Cares," an initiative that allowed them to travel to Africa independently to run basketball camps and clinics.

This quote encapsulates several important themes. First, it highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals despite obstacles. The speaker did not let rejection deter them from making a positive impact; instead, they found a way to act on their convictions without relying on official endorsement. Additionally, this quote underscores the value of personal initiative and grassroots efforts. By going solo, the speaker was able to maintain complete control over how they wished to contribute to society, which likely allowed for greater authenticity and effectiveness in reaching out to communities in need.

Matt Barnes is a well-known former NBA player who has been active both on and off the court. His efforts to promote basketball and engage with underserved populations reflect his commitment to using his platform for positive change. Through "Matt Cares," he has demonstrated that individual initiative can lead to meaningful contributions, even when formal channels are not available or supportive.