Although much of the news related to the NBA has been in relation to the league’s pushing forward with its plans to return to competition at some point in July, over the past few days, many members of the professional sports community have been outspoken with respect to the death of George Floyd.
Video of Floyd’s death on May 25 have sparked protests across the country, with much of the NBA community voicing public support for protestors advocating for social justice and law enforcement reform.
Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, released a statement. Jordan — perhaps the most famous basketball player in history — has been criticized for not taking stances on social issues, so his voice here is especially noteworthy. Few are staying silent, not even the Thunder’s young stud, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Although Alexander didn’t mention Floyd by name, his mind was obviously on some of the powerful images that have been circulating on social media and on television over the past few days.
“It’s crazy what has taken place over the last few weeks. My condolences to the loved ones that are now missing a family member or friend due to social injustice. My prayer and hope is that justice will be served! ‘No man is an island’,” he tweeted on Sunday.
It’s crazy what has taken place over the last few weeks. My condolences to the loved ones that are now missing a family member or friend due to social injustice. My prayer and hope is that justice will be served! "No man is an island"
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (@shaiglalex) May 31, 2020
Ironically, although the NBA is likely to have a firm plan to return on June 4, nobody has been talking about that the past few days.
Slowly but surely, the NBA community seems to have come to the realization that there are more important things going on in the country than a lack of professional sports.
Gilgeous-Alexander realizes it, too.