Mixed views on the opening of the NBA on July 31

As the country opens up, leading athletes express their concern over the planned opening of the NBA season next month. Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, is against an early opening of the 2019-20 season in Orlando, Florida. 

According to reports by ESPN, Irving teamed up with Avery Bradley, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, and other like-minded players willing to use their platform as a collective voice. They intend to voice their concerns over the league’s plans to restart.

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Irving believes the restart of the basketball league will dilute the current protests on police brutality and systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd. Going by unverified reports on Twitter, he has been reaching out to as many as 80 players. The most notable figures are Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul. 

According to The Athletic, Kylie is determined to champion social justice whatever the cost. “I’m willing to give up everything I have,” he stated‍

Responding to the developments through a statement sent to CNN, Dwight Howard expressed his agreement with Kylie and the concerned members of the basketball sport. He pointed out how the league will only be a “distraction” and the important role many of the sportspeople can play in mobilizing “resources” for community members. A key point of the statement said, “I would love nothing more than to win my first NBA Championship. But the unity of my people would be an even bigger championship.” ‍

Some voices were not too pleased by Irving’s suggestions, particularly Kendrick Perkins the former Oklahoma City Thunder giant. He described Kyrie as “confused” and “a distraction.”