As the San Antonio Spurs (43-17) prepare to conclude their five-game Eastern Conference road trip with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers (33-27) on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, center Luke Kornet reiterated his criticism of the Atlanta Hawks’ collaboration with Magic City.
Kornet addressed the controversy following Tuesday’s shootaround, speaking with Jason Dumas of Action News on 6abc. His comments came a day after he publicly objected to the Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night” promotion tied to their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic.
“I just really saw the statement last week, the announcement by the Hawks and just in terms of like you have the public voice as it pertains, I feel like it didn’t really represent what I know myself and a lot of other NBA [players] thought. So, I just want to make sure that part of the discussion is expressed and it comes with people like criticism and stuff like that – it’s part of the process that why people might be hesitant to do so but I think actually just trying to get the conversation started and able to have.”
He continued:
“It’s something important to help ensure that the league, everyone is willing to represent and an environment that you want to have.”
Kornet’s renewed comments follow backlash he received after first voicing concerns about the Hawks’ partnership. On Monday, he elaborated in a post on Medium, where he directly called for the organization to cancel the event.
Luke Kornet created some waves nationally when he urged the Atlanta Hawks to cancel its “Magic City Night”, saying that it's disrespectful to women.
I asked him about it after shootaround in Philly. Says he hasn’t talked to the league since his statement. pic.twitter.com/eTwFuZGAGQ
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) March 3, 2026
“This week, the Atlanta Hawks ‘announced a special one-night collaboration to celebrate the city’s iconic cultural institution Magic City’ during the team’s home games against the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 16,” Kornet wrote. “In its press release, the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, ‘Atlanta’s premiere strip club.’ Given this fact, I would respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City.”
Luke Kornet says NBA, Hawks have not reached out amid Magic City controversy
When asked whether the league reached out following his initial statement, Kornet said:
“Not really in the aftermath. Beforehand I spoke with some people in the league just kinda to see what the status of it was to make sure it’s up to date on the situation.”
He added that the Hawks have not contacted him.
“No, I haven’t.”
The Hawks’ collaboration has drawn widespread attention, including public support from former guard Lou Williams. While Atlanta has not indicated any change to its plans, Kornet’s remarks have added another layer to the broader conversation surrounding the event.
San Antonio will now turn its focus back to the court as it prepares to face Philadelphia on Tuesday night, looking to bounce back from a 114-89 loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.
