Larry Nance Jr. Honored with Jason Collier Memorial Award for Community Impact

Prior to tipoff against the Utah Jazz, the Atlanta Hawks announced forward Larry Nance Jr. as the recipient of the 2024-25 Jason Collier Memorial Award. Presented annually, the award recognizes the Hawks player who best exemplifies the late Jason Collier’s legacy of community engagement, compassion, and leadership. Nance becomes the 18th player to receive the honor since its inception in 2005.

Nance has been a driving force off the court this season, engaging in numerous impactful initiatives across the city of Atlanta. His contributions include participating in the Million Meal Pack, where he helped pack more than a million meals to combat food insecurity, and supporting the Atlanta Public Schools March Race2Read Challenge to promote literacy among children and families. As an ambassador for the American Heart Association, he’s also worked to improve outcomes in sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

His advocacy extends into the league as well—through his active membership in the NBA Social Justice Coalition, Nance continues to champion social justice reform alongside fellow players, coaches, and leaders.

“I am truly honored to receive the Jason Collier Memorial Award,” said Nance. “The city of Atlanta welcomed me with open arms, and I wanted to make sure that they knew that I was not only going to play hard for this organization but pay it forward and make a positive impact off of the court and in the community.”

Nance, who stands 6-foot-8, has used both his platform and personal journey to uplift others facing chronic illnesses. Through his nonprofit, Athletes vs. Crohn’s and Colitis, he has built powerful connections with those affected by Crohn’s disease, inviting individuals to Hawks games and offering encouragement and shared experiences. By hosting groups in arena suites throughout the season, he’s created safe spaces that foster support and solidarity within the chronic illness community.

His outreach has also made a deep impact on Atlanta’s homeless population. In partnership with Love Beyond Walls (LBW), Nance visited the Dignity Museum in December, where he donated over 600 high-need items, helped build mobile sinks for underserved areas, and supported the launch of Zion’s Closet—a resource center providing clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies for students. His financial contributions helped renovate essential resource rooms at Finch Elementary School, ensuring that students in need have access to crucial support systems.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to congratulate Larry as the recipient of the Jason Collier Memorial Award for this season,” said Katie Collier, Jason’s widow. “Larry’s involvement and dedication to the Atlanta community and beyond is truly impactful. Further, Larry’s work is an inspiring example of keeping Jason’s legacy and passion to serve alive.”

Nance joins a legacy of past recipients including Hawks standouts such as Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, Kent Bazemore, Al Horford, and Zaza Pachulia—each recognized for their selfless commitment to uplifting communities.

To learn more about the Atlanta Hawks’ community initiatives, visit Hawks.com/community.