The NBA renamed the season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award in honor of former Detroit Pistons center and Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, who died at age 73 on May 10, 2022.
The first winner of the new Bob Lanier Community Assist Award is Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, who was selected by fans during a 12-day public voting period and by an NBA executive panel for his sustained community outreach in support of youth in the Bay Area over the course of the season.
Payton II has prioritized engaging with and giving back to his community, particularly through initiatives related to youth with learning disabilities and those dealing with hardship.