adminIn June 2019, comedian and actor Adam Sandler surprised a group of local children by joining their pickup basketball game in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before his performance at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Sandler visited a basketball court on Pennsylvania Avenue, where he encountered Abdul Hawkins and his friends. Initially, the children were astonished and skeptical, but their doubts vanished as Sandler actively participated in games ranging from two-on-two to five-on-five. The experience left a lasting impression on the youngsters, with Abdul recalling, “He was on my team, which was mad cool.”
This impromptu interaction is consistent with Sandler’s well-known affection for basketball. He has frequently been spotted joining pickup games across various locations, including Long Island and Philadelphia. For instance, while filming “Hustle” in Philadelphia, Sandler organized a game featuring NBA stars like Trae Young, Tobias Harris, and Boban Marjanović. Such instances highlight Sandler’s genuine passion for the sport and his eagerness to connect with fans through shared games.
These spontaneous basketball sessions not only provide fans with memorable experiences but also underscore Sandler’s down-to-earth nature and his commitment to engaging with communities during his travels.
