When the NBA first embarked upon the Orlando restart, the United States was first engulfed in a massive social justice movement around the killing of George Floyd. Some players who were to be bubble-bound felt strange going to play basketball during such a critical moment where their platforms could be used to elevate the movement. Kyrie Irving, a leading voice, was one of those players saying he did not support the restart. With the recent senseless shooting of Jacob Blake, the Toronto Raptors are reportedly considering boycotting their upcoming playoff game against the Boston Celtics.
ESPN’s Malika Andrews reports that the Raptors held a team meeting to discuss what they can do in response – including boycotting their upcoming playoff game. “We knew coming here or not coming here was not going to stop anything, but I think ultimately playing or not playing puts pressure on somebody,” Raptors guard Fred VanVleet said via ESPN. “So, for example, this happened in Kenosha, Wisconsin, if I’m correct? Would it be nice if, in a perfect world, we all say we’re not playing, and the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks — that’s going to trickle down,” VanVleet continued. “If he steps up to the plate and puts pressure on the district attorney’s office, and state’s attorney, and governors, and politicians there to make real change and get some justice.”
This would certainly be taking a step up from previous forms of protesting or advocacy. As Celtics wing Marcus Smart alluded to, something drastic may need to be the next progression. “We tried to be peaceful, kneeling, we tried to protest,” Smart said, via ESPN. “And for us, we tried to come out here and get together and play this game and try to get our voice across. But it’s not working, so obviously something has to be done.”
Toronto has been one of the more vocal teams with regards to racial injustice messaging. They came to Orlando in busses with “Black Lives Matter” written largely over the sides. The organization has also been supportive of the issue surrounding Team President Masai Ujiri, who was shoved by a white San Francisco officer in last year’s NBA Finals.
The NBA attempted to appease players by allowing them to put a social justice message on the back of their jersey. However, the NBA had to approve of the message which was met with some disappointment. While the idea is sound and is better than nothing, it is unclear if the messaging on the jerseys has led to anything. It is clear that more action needs to be taken – and not just from athletes.
