Beyond the kneeling: NBA voices matter greatly
There are no time constraints on dedication. The wave of confrontational protests may subside in this country by the time the NBA restarts its season July 31, but not the anger, or the desire to bring change. It’s reasonable to wonder how the league’s African American players — and not exclusively them — will react to the playing of the national anthem before games.
Most likely, they’ll have a lot more in mind than simple gestures. We learned that from the Warriors and other teams when the Colin Kaepernick debates were burning hot in 201617. Players didn’t see much point in kneeling, or raising a fist, when the moment so quickly vanishes and is so vulnerable (see: Drew Brees) to mindless misinterpretation.
“Colin is the symbol” of the fight against police brutality, David West told me in the Golden State locker room at that time. “He wanted to start a conversation, and we’re gonna continue to be outspoken about what he believes in. We’re gonna stay on the matter of how African Americans are treated in this country, and not let (kneeling protests) be a distraction. Because that’s what’s happening now, and it’s drowning out the message.”
We’re seeing now what it means to deliver a real message, all about personal interaction, passionate words, lessons in history, education, leadership. We’re seeing and hearing it from Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Damian
Lillard, Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Enes Kanter, JJ Redick, Trae Young, Jaylen Brown and Dennis Smith Jr., just to name several, and the list will grow as players admirably take their conviction to the streets.
Hotbutton issues are certain to be part of the NBA’s selfcreated “bubble” in Orlando, but the list isn’t likely to include the players’ behavior before tipoff. They see a much bigger picture.
Benefit of the doubt
In the swirl of negativity surrounding the NBA’s 22team project, the league would love for people to start talking basketball. So let’s look at the bright side and assume this actually works. A few short takes:
Kevin Durant made it official Friday, saying he won’t be playing in Orlando as he continues his recovery from Achilles tendon surgery. “It’s just best for me to wait,” he told The Undefeated. “I don’t think I’m ready to play that type of intensity right now in the next month. It gives me more time to get ready for next season and the rest of my career.” ... The Lakers’ LeBron James is 35 years old, in his 17th season and well rested. Even the great ones can’t play forever, and he needed this resurrection in the worst way . ... The Clippers have Kawhi Leonard (knee, quad), Paul George (hamstring, both shoulders) and other previously injured players ready for full commitment. Coach Doc Rivers finally has the chance to figure out a playoffworthy rotation, and it could get curiously complicated with all that depth . ... Andre Iguodala played only 14 games with his new teammates in Miami, without much impact. But we know what it means when he really gets serious . ... Subplots abound in Houston. Commissioner Adam Silver told TNT that “certain coaches” over the age of 65 may not be allowed on the sidelines because of their age and vulnerability to the coronavirus. The Rockets’ Mike D’Antoni is 69, his job on the line as he plays out the final year of his contract, and he’s not about to coach his team from a distance. Silver later hedged on his comment, making it clear there is no final word. (San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich, 71, and New Orleans’ Alvin Gentry, 65, also fall into this category.) . ... Then there’s D’Antoni’s main man, James Harden, who has often looked fatigued during the playoff grind. He has reportedly lost 20 pounds in his quest for a firstever title, and you know he’s delighted there’s no sign of Curry, Thompson or Draymond Green.
Is anyone going to talk about the WNBA, where the great Sabrina Ionescu is about to make her professional debut with the New York Liberty? ESPN’s “SportsCenter” broke through with a report lasting all of 20 seconds Thursday night. How things stand at the moment: The league is proposing a 22game regular season starting July 24, all teams assembling at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., a facility with four stateoftheart courts. Nothing has been set in stone, including the playoff setup, but it’s nice to know the league is pushing ahead . ... Yes, it will be quite a congregation in Orlando. The NBA is expected to allow 35 people from each team, so that’s 770 before you get to those associated with travel, food, hotel services, game operations, the league office, television, transportation, virus testing and emergency medical staff, with the possibility of families allowed inside at some point . ... The Magic won’t be granted any special favors in their hometown; they’ll be placed inside the bubble along with every other team . ... There won’t be special treatment for “homecourt advantage” based on the standings, either. Not if common sense prevails. According to an ESPN report, some of the top teams have asked for certain concessions — such as being able to choose a private hotel, allowing a designated player to commit his sixth foul and not be ejected (he’d be allowed an extra foul), or packing up their hardwood floor and having it transported to Orlando. What complete nonsense. Teamwork is the spirit of any group undertaking in a pandemic, and the NBA is looking to build an allforone climate that will suppress all risks. Now, apparently, teams want special privileges. Here, take this extra piece of bacon. There’s your privilege.