The NBA is taking a proactive approach to mental health awareness and Adam Silver and Michele Roberts are leading the charge. Shams Charania of The Athletic was the first to report on the letter that Silver and Roberts sent to players “encouraging players to utilize increased resources for personal development” and detailed the league's “newly-enhanced mental health programs.”
For @TheAthleticNBA and @WatchStadium: NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA executive director Michelle Roberts co-authored a preseason letter obtained, encouraging players to utilize increased resources for personal development and newly-enhanced mental wellness programs.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 18, 2018
Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA executive director Michelle Roberts tell all players in letter today: "It’s the power to make a difference that’s long been part of the NBA and the Players Association and that matters now more than ever." https://t.co/8TV9VOnghD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 18, 2018
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous 'Sport has the power to change lives’ message, Silver and Roberts write to NBA players: “As the new season begins, let’s continue channeling that spirit together.” https://t.co/8TV9VOnghD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 18, 2018




Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, and Roberts, the executive director of the NBA Players' Association are following the lead of star players who are speaking out about mental health issues like DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love. The league is trying to take away the stigma of mental health issues and encourage its players to take their own mental health seriously. This sends a positive message to all players in the NBA and it also extends the message to the fans.
The NBA and its players generally have a positive working relationship. Of course, the players and the league clash on certain issues, but this is not one of them. C.J. McCollum took to Twitter to commend the leadership shown by Silver and Roberts. He also took the opportunity to let the world know that the NBA is the best league in the world.
Best League in the world. What great leadership looks like 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/cywJTjWPTF
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 18, 2018
Fans of the NFL and MLB might take exception to this comment from McCollum, but there's no denying that this is a positive move by the NBA. Other leagues should take notice of how the NBA is approaching mental health. We all can learn something about taking care of ourselves and those around us.