NEW YORK — Basketball has long inspired more than just the action on the court reaching beyond athletes and sports aficionados to spark movement people across different fields.
For 16 New York-based artists, that connection took shape through paintings, sculptures, textile art, and other creative interpretations of the game at NBA on Prime's 'The Art of Basketball' exhibit.
The event brought together basketball and the arts, featuring works by local artists alongside pieces from personal collections of NBA greats Chris Paul and Draymond Green.
Beyond the one-night-only exhibit in Chelsea, the gathering also opened conversations about how basketball connects with culture, creativity, and storytelling, with NBA on Prime personalities sharing their perspectives on art and its place in the sport.
“Art is very personal, and, you know, I have kind of a specific style, but I think that's what's so awesome about artists. It speaks to so many different people, so many different cultures,” said analyst Blake Griffin.
The variety of works on display reflected that idea, offering different ways to interpret a sport that reaches far beyond the hardwood. Basketball can be expressed through different mediums, shaped by individual experiences, and understood across communities.
For Taylor Rooks, that intersection is part of what makes the relationship between sports and art compelling.
“It's a conversation between sports and culture, creativity and tradition, and where all of that goes next,” Rooks said as she hosted the event.
NBA storytelling
The veteran courtside reporter also pointed to storytelling as a central part of the NBA on Prime team's work, whether covering a game or exploring the people and ideas surrounding it.
“One of my favorite parts about being a part of the Prime Video team is that storytelling is at the heart of every single thing that we do; How we approach every broadcast, every game, every art,” she said.
Music was another part of the evening, with rapper Common bringing his bars live to jumpstart it, before program eventually gave way to a social gathering, with guests and artists sharing the space beyond the formal conversations.
Conversations on art, personal collections, and music offered a broader look at basketball's cultural reach.
Prime Video in the PH will have its second year showcasing the games. From the regular NBA season to the Emirates NBA Cup, Playoffs, and Conference Finals, basketball fans can watch it all with a Prime Video subscription, with no additional fees or add-ons required.
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