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Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets, also vice president of the the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), in the game against the Washington Wizards at the capital One Arena in Washington D.C., February 1, 2020. /VCG
The NBA 2019-20 season is less than two months away from restarting but not everyone is happy about it. For example, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets opposed the restart and held a conference call on Friday, attended by many players.
According to Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, about 200 players discussed both social justice reform and COVID-19 pandemic on Friday. Vice president of the players' union (NBPA) was quoted as saying "I'm willing to give up everything I have (for social reform). I don't support going into Orlando. I'm not with the systematic racism and the b******t. Something smells a little fishy," according to sources who spoke to The Athletic.
Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, also president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), handles the ball in the game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, March 8, 2020. /VCG
Irving was not the only union leader at the conference call. NBPA president Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder and several other vice chiefs like Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers, C.J. McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers and Garrett Temple of the Nets were also present.
Some of the conference attendants, namely Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, Carmelo Anthony of the Trail Blazers and Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers, seemed to agree with Irving, according to sources who spoke to the sports publication. Howard was quoted as saying: "Playing in Orlando will become a distraction from the issues the country is facing, and that they need to unify and use this moment to create a change."
Fireworks light the sky over Cinderella Castle during the Grand Opening of New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, December 6, 2012. /VCG
"Once we start playing basketball again, the news will turn from systemic racism to who did what in the game last night. It's a crucial time for us to be able to play and blend that and impact what's happening in our communities," said a widely respected Western Conference player to ESPN.
The NBA's plan was to put 22 teams in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and hold eight regular season games, the playoffs and the Finals there. Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday said that no player will be forced to go to Orlando. However, as McCollum pointed out, those who choose not to participate in season restart will not get paid either.
