The Human Element: 100 Emotional Turning Points in NBA History

**SPEAKER_1** (0:00)
These are the most wholesome NBA moments. And first, one player's small act of kindness makes a kid's life.

**SPEAKER_2** (0:08)
Oh my goodness. Well done, John Moran.
MVP on and off the floor.

**SPEAKER_1** (0:14)
This kid came to the game with a poster and left with a memory that will last him a lifetime. But that's only one of the 10 most wholesome NBA moments. And next up, one player's journey to the NBA turns completely upside down. Because it's every kid's dream to make the NBA. But somewhere along the way, these dreams get lost in the shuffle. That is, except for Terrence Clark. Because this kid was something special. And coming out of high school, he was the eighth ranked prospect in the nation. And this kid was so talented that only after one year at Kentucky, he decided it was time for the big leagues. He was only 19 years old and scouts were already projecting him as a potential lottery pick. But through it all, Clark never lost who he was. And just months before the 2021 NBA draft, he was back where it all began, the Vine Street Community Center. See, Clark had been working out there since he was 10 years old. And Clark was wrapping up another workout when he got in his car and started heading back home. That's when he made a fateful mistake and ran a red light. And just like that, he heard a loud thud. His car collided with another car. And that's when things went really south. His car started to spiral out of control, hitting a streetlight pole and then eventually a block wall. Unfortunately, Clark didn't survive the crash. But his death didn't go unnoticed. As his entire hometown of Boston was mourning, that's when Jalen Brown had an idea. This man wasn't about to let his lil bro's dream get denied. So it's only fitting that come draft night, the NBA had his back.

**SPEAKER_3** (1:52)
Before we continue, I'd like to take a moment to recognize Terrence Clark.
Terrence was an all-American high school basketball star in the Boston area. He attended the University of Kentucky, and following his freshman year, he declared for the draft to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. Terrence was expected to be drafted tonight, but he tragically passed away in April following a car crash. He was 19 It is my honor to now announce that with the next pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the NBA selects Terrence Clark from the University of Kentucky.

**SPEAKER_1** (2:54)
After everything this man has been through, the countless hours in the gym, the late nights putting up shots, and the never-ending pursuit of his dream, it feels good to hear Terrence Clark's name recognized on the game's biggest stage. But it's easy to have a moment and then be forgotten. Although, Jalen Brown wanted to ensure this didn't happen, so he put Clark's name on display in front of millions.

**SPEAKER_2** (3:19)
This is wonderful, man. This is awesome.

**SPEAKER_5** (3:21)
I hope he gets it 50 years. Wow.

**SPEAKER_1** (3:24)
If a 19-year-old can make such an impact, then so can you.
But what if I told you that one 6-year-old literally changed John Wall's world? See this girl? Yeah, this is Demiah Telemach Nelson, and she was like every other girl her age, except for one difference. She was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare, fast-growing cancer. And once John Wall heard this, he was amazed. How could a girl so young have so much energy in the midst of tragedy? And every time Wall interacted with Demiah, he instantly felt inspired. And it even got to the point that Wall would write Maya's name on his shoes before every game. These two really had a special connection, but unfortunately, life doesn't always go as planned. Just two weeks after their most recent FaceTime, Wall was in the locker room preparing for a game against the Celtics. That's when he got some devastating news. Maya didn't make it. And initially, Wall was so heartbroken, he didn't even want to play.
But then he thought to himself, this isn't what Maya would want. So instead, he dedicated the game to her.

**SPEAKER_6** (4:30)
John Wall with 26 points, 17 assists. Victorious tonight, but grieving for his friend.

**SPEAKER_1** (4:38)
This dude was on a mission. And it was all for Maya. After all of the adversity Maya experienced, Wall wasn't about to let his team lose. So after the final whistle blew, and the Wizards prevailed in double overtime, no one was more emotional than John Wall. This is from Maya, one of my close friends. I lost it.

**SPEAKER_7** (4:58)