TikTok Creator Helps Homeless Man Get Closer To His NBA Dream

TikTok creator Jimmy Darts is known for his random acts of kindness to his more than 12 million followers. He recently shared a video showing how he was able to help Reggie, a man who was experiencing homelessness who has dreams of playing in the NBA.

This feel-good story has a happy ending so of course it went viral with nearly 6 million views so far.

When Reggie met Jimmy, he had no idea his entire life was about to change for the better.

"I met Reggie who was experiencing homelessness while trying to make it to the NBA," Jimmy said in the video. He asked if he could shoot around with him and Reggie agreed. When Jimmy asked Reggie if he plays at all, he responded, "Right now I'm training for the G League." Jimmy then told him that "the sun's going to come out through those clouds" to help lift him up.

After the two new friends shot around a bit, Jimmy surprised Reggie with $500 in cash.

"That's heaven sent. Like crazy. I'm still trying to comprehend," Reggie said with shock on his face. "I've been going in and out of shelters, in and out of people's houses since I was like 13. I've been doing this a long time. This ain't nothing new to me. I've been used to pain."

The following day, the two met up again. But this time, Jimmy had an even better surprise for Reggie than the day before.

"You were just telling me you had no good shoes to hoop in, and your dream shoe was the Kyrie. Last pair in your size," Jimmy said as he handed Reggie a box with a brand-new pair of Kyrie's in it. "People donated last night from around the world for you. $20,000, so you can chase your dreams."

The absolute shock and surprise on Reggie's face couldn't be contained. But that wasn't the end of the surprises.

"And somebody hit me up that has a G League contact," Jimmy continued. "And is going to get you a tryout."

It was more than obvious that Reggie was so grateful for everything a guy who was just a stranger the day prior has done for him.

Jimmy set up a GoFundMe page to help Reggie raise the money he needs to help his situation. The description on the page explains the story.

"I was walking and saw this guy playing basketball so I introduced myself and his name was Reggie. I told him my ball had been stolen and asked if I could shoot around with him and out of the kindness of his heart he said yes for sure!" the description began.

"I then surprised Reggie with $500 for his kindness. He began telling me his life story how his dream is to make it to the NBA and ever since he was 13 he had been in and out of homelessness. His friend just passed away and Reggie has been hit with storm after storm to derail him from his dream. Let’s raise some funds to bless Reggie with so he never has to worry about being on the streets again and can pursue his dreams!"

The page was created on July 17 and has raised $28,979 so far. More than 60 people have donated with the largest donation currently being $2,000.

People also left supportive comments for Reggie.

"Good luck to you! Hope this money is the break in life that you need to help you out of homelessness! You deserve it!" one person wrote.

Another wrote, "Reggie… it was your big beautiful smile for me. Seeing you light up like that told me that you have greatness in you and an amazing future. You got this. ❤️"

One other person shared, "I wanted to be a part of your sunshine through the clouds. Do great things, we are rooting for you!"

There were also tons of comments on the TikTok video.

"U gotta go to his g league tryout and record ittt!!!" one person wrote, with more than 62,000 people liking the comment.

Another viewer said, "You can tell that g league try out mean way more than the 20k."

One follower said, "If this man makes the g league this will be a crazy story 😳," and many agreed with him by liking the comment.

One follower wanted to offer some help if needed. "If the tryout doesn’t work out I worked for the Santa Cruz Warriors G League, I can reach out and see if they can do anything for him!!"

We're all pulling for you, Reggie, and will be watching for amazing updates!