NBA Legends Join Orlando Squeeze For Pickleball Charity Showdown At MLP Season Opener
Source: nba.com
The 2025 Major League Pickleball season is officially underway—and it launched in style with a high-energy, high-profile charity exhibition featuring a few familiar names from the NBA.
On Thursday, the Orlando Squeeze hosted a special event at the USTA National Campus that brought together former Orlando Magic stars and top pickleball professionals for a light-hearted but spirited match in support of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.
The crossover event drew fans, laughs, and some surprisingly competitive rallies—and by the end of the evening, it raised $10,600 for charity.
Former NBA Stars Take On The Pickleball Court
For former Magic sharpshooter Terrance Ross, this wasn’t his first dance with a paddle.
“I started playing pickleball with my wife and some friends after retiring, and I got hooked fast,” said Ross. “It’s the perfect way to stay competitive and have fun at the same time.”
While Ross looked right at home on the court, his fellow NBA alums Brandon Bass, Bo Outlaw, and Rashard Lewis were stepping onto the pickleball stage for the first time. Despite their athletic pedigree, the sport presented some unexpected challenges.
“The hardest part is controlling the power,” said Bass. “You think you can muscle it like basketball, but it’s a whole different kind of precision—especially with a crowd watching.”
Outlaw brought his signature enthusiasm and humor, delighting fans from both the sidelines and on court. He admitted the game took some getting used to.
“I’ve seen pickleball on TV, but seeing it in person—and trying to play—is a whole different story,” he said with a laugh. “I kept hitting the ball too high, and the pros don’t let you off easy when you do that.”
A Learning Curve With A Side Of Laughter
One of the standout moments came from Orlando Squeeze pro Alli Phillips, who coached the basketball veterans through the basics and offered encouragement along the way.
“She gave me confidence,” said Outlaw. “She made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing.”
Phillips, for her part, appreciated the challenge of helping such tall athletes adjust to a game that rewards low stances and finesse over height.
“They all have amazing energy and athleticism,” she noted. “But the biggest challenge was definitely getting them to bend their knees—pickleball lives low to the ground.”
A Friendly Victory And A Charitable Cause
In the end, Rashard Lewis, paired with Squeeze standout Federico Staksrud, emerged victorious in the exhibition match. But the true win was for the community.
“I had a blast,” said Lewis after the match. “I got a good sweat, great workout, and a great teammate. It was competitive, but all in good fun.”
The event served as the perfect kickoff to the MLP season—not only spotlighting the sport’s growing mainstream appeal but also bringing people together around a cause that matters.
