NEW YORK – New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis received the February Kia Community Assist Award in recognition of his community work around NBA All-Star 2014 festivities, the NBA announced today. The award recognizes an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

Kia Motors and the NBA are honoring Davis for using his All-Star break to unite the community and inspire youth. In partnership with the City of New Orleans, he held a basketball event at Joe Brown Park to speak with local youth about the game and its impact on his life. Davis also worked with the Mayor’s Office on the Midnight Basketball Program, as part of the Mayor’s “NOLA for Life” campaign, aimed at mitigating violence in high-crime areas of the city.

During the annual NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service which began in New Orleans in 2008, Davis participated in a KaBOOM! playground build at KIPP Leadership Primary. From using his height while mounting signage to taking photos with the volunteers, he was determined to leave a lasting impression.

“This award means a lot to me, especially because it reflects on all of the community projects that took place during NBA All-Star,” said Davis. “I hope in the future, I can continue to make a positive impact in the New Orleans community. I’m proud of the work the Pelicans organization does to make our City and Region a better place and know that the future is bright. Having the opportunity to make a donation to the Audubon Nature Institute is important to me as the Pelicans and Audubon are teaming up to preserve Louisiana’s coast and wetlands.”

During today’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, NBA Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations Kiki VanDeWeghe and a Kia representative will present Davis with the David Robinson Plaque during an oncourt ceremony. In addition, Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Davis’ behalf to the Audubon Nature Institute.

Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010. In addition to the monthly Kia Community Assist Awards, the league will present a final 2013-14 Seasonlong Kia Community Assist Award.

To learn more, please log on to www.nba.com/kiacommunityassist.