Protests continue to rage on throughout the United States following the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There have been numerous statements made by high profile athletes and now, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is making a statement of his own.
The vast majority of NBA players are black and Adam Silver understands that it is up to the league to support their players and become allies during this time. In an internal memo sent to each individual team, Silver urged staff to reflect on what's happening while also listening to those who have to face injustice on a daily basis.
“This moment also requires greater introspection from those of us, including me, who may never know the full pain and fear many of our colleagues and players experience every day,” Silver wrote. “We have to reach out, listen to each other and work together to be part of the solution. And as an organization, we need to do everything in our power to make a meaningful difference. Even in this sad and difficult time, I know we can.”
Silver acknowledges that many NBA players have had negative run-ins with police and the commissioner is hoping for real changes to be made. When the NBA eventually comes back, we will surely see the players come together in solidarity in light of what has happened.
Kawhi Leonard Explains What David Stern Means To Him
RIP David Stern.
Former NBA commissioner David Stern tragically past away this past week at the age of 77. Stern was known for his incredible work with the NBA that saw the league become a global brand. Stern helped make the league what it is today and numerous players paid their respects to the man who pioneered a whole era. If you ever dreamt about playing in the NBA, Stern was always a part of that dream as he would be the man you shake hands with on your draft day. This fantasy is something Kawhi Leonard knows all too well.
According to Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points, Leonard was recently asked about Stern's impact and his memories of the former commish. As the Clippers star explained, he always thought about walking across the draft day stage and shaking Stern's hand. Luckily for Kawhi, it was a fantasy he got to live out.
“Just knowing that if I really wanted to get here, I would have to shake his hand to be able to enter the league... I got the opportunity to do that and meet him," Leonard said.
Leonard was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2011. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful career that includes two NBA titles with two different teams. Stern was a part of Leonard's dream which just goes to show what kind of impact the commissioner had.
