Ryan Broekhoff and the Dallas Mavericks assist Australia

Australia’s eastern states are in the midst of some of the worst bushfires ever recorded. In the state of New South Wales alone, fire has spread across more than 12 million acres, and destroyed more than 1,800 homes.

With such intense devastation, the news has stretched across the globe and conjured the support of so many, including Ryan Broekhoff and the Dallas Mavericks.

Earlier this week, the NBA Players Association announced its support with a financial contribution to the bushfire relief efforts.

Ryan Broekhoff, who was born in Frankston, Victoria, knows the importance of his position, and how it can help with the situation.

“It’s our home country, and we need to find ways to give back,” he said.

“We feel privileged enough in our careers that we can use our voices and hopefully raise enough awareness to get some people to donate and make a difference.”

Not only are the Australian players getting involved in the support, the Mavs organization has announced it will contribute financially, and assist in spreading awareness to the NBA community.

Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, has encouraged fans to get involved, knowing how many people are affected by the fires.

“We are happy to join Ryan and the other Aussie NBA players with a donation in support of first responders, wildlife, and all those affected. The devastation is huge and challenging times are ahead - we hope everyone will join us to support,” she said.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has also committed to personally get involved in the financial support, as has retired legend Dirk Nowtizki.

Broekhoff has been in touch with Nowitzki, and has felt the support league-wide.

“Cuban is really excited to donate, and I spoke with Dirk today, and he’s jumping on board,” he said. “It’s amazing how the NBA and the NBA community come together for disasters like this, and NBA Players Association has been a big help in matching funds. It really is the whole community: players, teams, staff, everyone is lending support. It’s affected us, but I think it’s affecting everyone around the league.”

Broekhoff and fellow Aussie player Ben Simmons, will address the crowd tonight in Dallas before the Mavericks matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“We want them to know that we care, and we are finding ways to send help your way. We can’t replace the lives and land lost or the treasured items. But we want Australians to know that we do care, and we are doing our best to help out, and hopefully, this will aid them in efforts to rebuild,” he said.

To learn more about the Australian relief efforts or donate, visit Mavs.com/AussieRelief.com

We caught up with Ryan Broekoff earlier this week, he talks about learning basketball in Australia, as well as the NBA Players Association getting involved with the bushfire relief.

You can listen here!

Thank you to the Dallas Mavericks for their assistance with this story and for providing the above quotes.