Kevin Hurley
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Two NBA legends, a dunk exhibition, a basketball tournament and plenty of cannabis swag took over Footprint Center on Nov. 10, the second time this year that the arena did its part to chip away at the stigma that still surrounds pot.
The Cannabis Cactus NBA Skills & Thrills Experience played out in the arena and on the Phoenix Suns’ court to promote physical and mental well-being – and cannabis, of course. The event included a dunk exhibition, skills sessions, activities and a tournament.
In January, Cannabis Cactus – the Phoenix-based weed magazine behind the event – held a charity basketball tournament in the arena to raise funds and boost the profile of pot and medical marijuana. That event marked the first time the NBA worked with cannabis brands to host an event.
On Nov. 10, NBA legends Derek Fisher and Mike Bibby – who won a state championship at Shadow Mountain High School before leading the Arizona Wildcats to an NCAA title in 1997 – were on hand to teach basketball skills to children. Fisher also took part in the January event.
Five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher lifts up a child to shoot a basket.
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Jeeter employees pose with props.
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A shootaround on the court at Footprint Center.
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Professional dunkers put on a show.
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Patrick Sanchez plays a small basketball table game sponsored by High Grade.
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Henry Garcia won an autographed Devin Booker jersey at the event.
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Kids swarm the winner of bump out.
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Former NBA player and Arizona local Mike Bibby works with kids shooting around on the court.
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Patrick Ferrick shoots a corner three.
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A small basketball table game sponsored by High Grade was one of the activities at the event.
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Tony Crosby II throws down a dunk.
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An attendee wearing marijuana socks waits in the lobby before playing basketball at Footprint Center.
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Professional dunkers put on a show after the basketball games.
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Todd Gilchrist poses with five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher after winning an autographed Fisher Lakers jersey.
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Participants line up on the side of the court for a three-point contest.
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A Heat Wav flag football player takes a shot on the court.
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Kids play an arcade basketball game sponsored by Jeeter as a pregame activity.
Kevin Hurley