The NBA season is almost here. As the Nets get ready to start their preseason run as they open it up against the Knicks, the team has a major concern and they plan to protest. Despite the NBA rule, they want to show support against racism.
How can teams keep their integrity, their jobs, and also use their platforms for the greater good of our society? That’s a mini dilemma that the Nets are currently facing. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that he supports his players but there is also a rule that players must stand during the anthem. The Brooklyn Nets want to show their support but it’s something that’s not set in stone yet.
“We haven’t [decided yet]. We’re actually going to do that after practice or before shootaround [Tuesday],” forward DeMarre Carroll said. “We’re definitely going to nail down something and try to do something collectively as a group.”
If you recall, the Nets locked arms last season but now, that’s something that’s not really welcomed these days considering Trump’s comments.
“We haven’t come out with a statement, but I think our idea is — however our players approach this — I want them to be unified,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We want them to follow the NBA rules. That’s important to us, and I think our guys understand that.
“They’re going to talk about it. I’m not sure exactly what they’ll do, but they’ll have my support. We have a really diverse group that understands it needs to be a unified message amongst them.”
It’s truly admirable that despite the Nets knowing that this season, they must deliver, their minds are still in the right place and they want to protest. The action starts tonight against the Knicks at 7:30 pm.