The Toronto Raptors returned to the practice court, and they sent a strong message while at it.
On Friday, the Raptors' social media accounts posted images from the team's latest practice session, which showed head coach Nike Nurse and a bevy of players like Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Chris Boucher wearing black shirts with the protest motto “Black Lives Matter” written in red. (You can get one here.)
The team also posted an image of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam in the “BLM” shirt with the caption, “The fight doesn't stop. #BlackLivesMatter.”
The fight doesn’t stop. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/dyxUsxDQdI
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 3, 2020
Earlier this month, the Raptors posted a video that featured team president Masaj Ujiri and multiple players voicing their thoughts on the movement and speaking out against racism.
Lead by example.
Lead with love.
Lead with understanding.Words by Michael Tyler pic.twitter.com/JSt6lSBVJe
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 6, 2020
The 2019 champions will have an opportunity to defend their crown when the season restarts in Orlando on July 30. For what it's worth, Ibaka is feeling confident about how his team is looking.
“Man, listen, we believe in us,” Ibaka said in his media availability on Friday, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports. “We have the experience, we have the championship mentality already, we’ve got confidence. It’s time to go to work. We’re ready.”
On Friday, the NBA and the players union agreed to a slew of social justice messages that players in Orlando will be able to put on the back of their uniforms. The league and players association also announced an agreement to make the continued fight against racism a focus of the restart initiative.
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