10-time All-Star Chris Paul says the threat of the Lakers and Clippers walking out of the 2020 NBA Playoffs was never about one person. Instead, he says it was about standing together.
There was some concern that this postseason would not be played out, as players from around the NBA landscape decided to boycott on Wednesday to raise awareness for the shooting of Jacob Blake. Reports indicated that the Lakers and Clippers were thinking about leaving the bubble entirely, but the players voted on Thursday morning to continue playing.
Chris Paul on concern when it seemed like LeBron and Lakers, and Kawhi and Clippers, might walk: It was never about one person, it was never about one team. It was about all of us standing together.
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) August 28, 2020
According to police reports, an unarmed Blake was shot seven times in his back by Kenosha police officers. Unfortunately, his injuries left him hospitalized and paralyzed from the waist down.
During his media availability on Friday, Paul noted that the last few days have been emotional. Still, he says the players are “re-focused:”
Thunder guard Andre @TheNBPA president @CP3 says its been a emotional past couple of days and it’s ironic that on anniversary of March on Washington and death of Emmitt Till they’re still fighting. Paul says the players are now “re-focused.” pic.twitter.com/g0LuBalhza
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 28, 2020
Paul, who serves as the president of the NBPA, is hoping to keep this movement going at full speed. In an effort to increase voter turnout, he's calling for polling sites at NBA arenas:
Thunder @CP3 says players “understand the platform we have an we want to keep the foot to the pedal.” Paul adds that it was important to start at justice coalition and that voting is important. Want all NBA arenas to be polling sites. During commercials they want vote advertising
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 28, 2020
Paul and the Thunder are currently locked in a tight battle with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. After falling down 0-2, Oklahoma City has managed to storm back to tie the series at two games apiece. However, the Rockets are getting back Russell Westbrook, who has missed the series entirely due to a quad injury.
Game 5 between the Thunder and Rockets will be played at some point this weekend. According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, play is set to resume on Saturday.
The NBA and NBPA have put out the following joint statement about play resuming Saturday, along with initiatives the players and league will work on together: pic.twitter.com/2Y2e9eFEfd
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 28, 2020
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