The Hawks’ Trae Young was one of several players involved in talks between the NBA and the NBA Players Association on social justice efforts. The groups met Tuesday to “further advance the league’s collective response to the social justice issues in our country,” according to a release from the league.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and several high-ranking league officials met with NBPA executive director Michele Roberts, NBPA president Chris Paul, NBPA first vice president Andre Iguodala and several players. Young, the Hawks point guard, was one of the players involved.
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The group agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart in Orlando will be to take collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice. Conversations also covered strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, to ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across league business activities and to form a foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community. No specific plans were finalized.
“The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end,” Paul said in a statement. “As a union of NBA players and as a league, it is our job to use our collective platform to both put a spotlight on those issues and work to effect change. As players, we have taken a leadership role when it comes to using our voices and implementing practical solutions, but there is much work ahead both in Orlando and long-term to continue the momentum and bring about real, long-lasting change to our society.”
The NBA is planning to resume its season next month in Orlando, Fla. The resumption of play will include 22 of the 30 teams. The Hawks will not participate.
“The league and the players are uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on combating systemic racism in our country, and we are committed to collective action to build a more equal and just society,” Silver said in a statement. “A shared goal of our season restart will be to use our platform in Orlando to bring attention to these important issues of social justice.”
Other players to participate were the Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon, from Greater Atlanta Christian; the Trail Blazers’ CJ McCollum and the Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell.
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