The NBA has released a statement regarding some players' concerns on the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season, per Marc Stein of The New York Post.
“We understand the players’ concerns and are working with the Players Association on finding the right balance to address them."
— NBA spokesman Mike Bass on worries players have raised about diverting attention away from the Black Lives Matter movement by resuming the season
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 14, 2020
To recall, some players expressed their reluctance on continuing the season amidst everything that is happening around the world. Some are worried about the possible health risks brought about by COVID-19. Meanwhile, others strongly believe that having the NBA back could divert the attention from the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.
In Friday night's conference call organized by Kyrie Irving — one week after union team reps approved the NBA's 22-team plan by a 28-0 vote — players also voiced concerns about the restrictions of bubble life and injury risk after the longest layoff most of them have ever faced
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 14, 2020
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving led a conference call where players voiced their reservations on continuing basketball while people continue to fight for social justice and racism on the streets. Peaceful protests and rallies have spread all over the country over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year old African American murdered during police custody in Minnesota.
Irving initially drew flak for his stance. Among those include his former teammate LeBron James, who obviously wants to finish the season with the Los Angeles Lakers as one of the favorites to win this year's NBA championship. However, there are also players siding with Irving on the dividing issue, among them James' current teammate Dwight Howard. The former Defensive Player of the Year agreed with Irving's stance and it appears like he won't join the Lakers when the season resumes this July.
While there are concerns about diverting the attention from the BLM movement, some are also concerned about the health risks that continuing the season poses. Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell and Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony hinted that they may not play given the current health situation happening all over the world. The league has already released their health procedures when the season resumes in Orlando.
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