As the NBA finals come to a close and Juneteenth kicks off, pro basketball and its players are in the spotlight. This comes at a time when issues related to race, equality, and social justice continue to persist in America.
Athletes have long made their voices heard beyond the basketball court by addressing social issues. The late Celtics great Bill Russell marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and boycotted a game in Kentucky after several Black teammates were refused service in a coffee shop. Laker great Kareem Abdul Jabbar also supported the Civil Rights Movement and is a recognized speaker, columnist, author and philanthropist.
The platforms of many of today’s superstar athletes have evolved via the internet and social media. Athletes regularly share their views via Instagram, Twitter (now X) and TikTok and make their presence felt in their respective communities.
The Defender spoke with some current and former pros to discuss the role of athletes in the continuous fight for rights. Here are a few excerpts from their comments.
Kyrie Irving, All-NBA and FIBA World Cup MVP guard, Dallas Mavericks: “The most important thing is to learn what your ancestors did before you and reclaim that power. The modern-day athlete is not just an athlete by title. I think you have to do more. You must be more socially and racially aware, and more politically aware of the society that we are in. Also, how you make change on those different levels. So, it starts with our education …We have the power inside of us, but we need to walk with grace and be ready to act. It has been a war on skin color for a long time. So, just being aware of that and seeing how you can galvanize others to not necessarily believe in what you believe, but be willing to challenge your belief system, learn more and be more. [Our ancestors] strived for me to be in this position today I don’t take it for granted…We need to have these conversations about race comfortably and civilly. We can do that.”
Kevin Durant, MVP and 2x NBA champion forward, Phoenix Suns: “Our role is to continue to show up every day. You know that has always been a knock on the Black athlete, that we don’t show up. But now you see more guys that are having long careers that have impacted lives, impacted generations after them and have given back to the game. It is our duty as Black athletes to at least show up and be present every day.”
Devin Booker, All-Star guard, Phoenix Suns: “We have the biggest platforms and as you know the NBA does the best it can to keep everybody informed. We have worked and taken tremendous strides but there is always room to work.”
Fred Van Fleet, starting guard, Houston Rockets: “I would say that is our job to do the best that we can do and that means something different for every individual because everyone is not going to feel comfortable to be outspoken, being at the forefront and being leaders in their community. I just try to do the most that I can do and be a leader in the community to make as much impact as I can where I’m from and the cities I play in to touch the people that I come across.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP frontrunner All-Star guard, Oklahoma City Thunder: “We have a platform and with that comes great responsibility as role models for the youth. But obviously we have a lot of power with our platforms to push a narrative that equality is very important.”
Ryan Hollins, former NBA player and Houston Rockets commentator: “You for sure have an obligation to take care of the people that took care of you. I think I do challenge people not to give expectations to athletes and just appreciate what athletes do…You can’t be something that you are not. Lebron James, for example, creates schools and that is in his heart. Some people do things you never hear about, and some people don’t necessarily have it in their hearts. So, you have to give the grace of being where they are and appreciate the people that do it. I will throw my kids camp and take care of the community the best I could…At the minimum you take care of your community and do your best to be educated on things before you speak on them.”
