The NBA picked Walt Disney World as their ground zero for restarting the season with a playoff tournament. However, it wasn’t long before Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving voiced his displeasure that the league was about to reengage. Irving was quick to point out that having the NBA back in action would take the focus off of more pressing, societal concerns. Will the NBA cancel the remainder of the season or will we be able to crown a 2020 NBA champion?
Will the NBA Cancel the Remainder of the Season?
Disney Not Magical for Kyrie
Irving launched the first volley when he stated, “I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the bull****. Something smells a little fishy. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are targeted as black men every day we wake up.”
Lakers center, Dwight Howard, has also echoed Irving’s sentiments. He has been even more vocal and articulate regarding his stance in trying to keep the spotlight on the tidal wave of support for social injustice:
“Contrary to popular belief, we are not attempting to halt the resumption of the basketball season in Orlando. It would be silly to think we could stop a force as powerful as the NBA, nor would we want to, considering the wonderful opportunity they have afforded us. Our main objective is to raise awareness and gain transparency on the things that concern us collectively. Many of our fellow players are afraid to voice their concerns and are continuing to follow along with what they believe they have to.”
COVID Cases Climb
While the players would receive regular testing, the main concern is that the Walt Disney World staffers would not be confined to the protective bubble. Instead, they are allowed to go home and go about their business until they return to do their jobs. It’s a volatile issue and one that will need to be resolved shortly as players are arriving at Disney.
There are players, like Howard, without a championship ring to his name. Within his grasp as a member of arguably the best team in the league, he continues to speak out. There are teams ready to prove themselves as the best in the world and poised to bring a championship banner home to those fans who have long thirsted for one. For instance, LeBron James has assembled a ‘Super Team’ in Los Angeles and is almost expected to win.
What Next?
Or how about their Staples Center roommates, the LA Clippers? Not one championship title in their not-so-stellar history, yet they now have the most talented roster they have had in their history. Kawhi Leonard spurned all other offers to join the Clips and he is looking to be a three-time champ on three different teams.
The NBA is on its way back and despite contemplative apprehension by some of its players, the sport is inextricably woven into the fabric of our society. Americans need some semblance of normalcy and watching the best athletes in the world do what they do best is well worth the wait. However, if the health, safety, and welfare of the players cannot be guaranteed then the season could be scrapped and we would all have to wait until next year.
Perhaps Dwight Howard said it best, “The game will go on with or without those who decide not to play because like we are taught, we are easily replaceable.”
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