NEWSLETTER
When the Milwaukee Bucks chose not to take the court on Wednesday afternoon, a statement was made.
In a collective fight for social justice, every NBA team scheduled to play today joined the Bucks in boycotting their respective games. The message is clear, but the future is not. What happens next will be entirely up to the players, just like the decision made today.
To further discuss how they should proceed, players have reportedly scheduled a meeting for later tonight. The meeting will take place at 8:00 p.m. ET, and all players are welcome to join the conversation.
NBA players have called for a meeting tonight in Orlando to determine next steps, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
Every NBA player is invited to join the meeting in The Bubble at 8 PM to discuss how they'll proceed from today's boycotts, sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Time will only tell what will come of this, but the players will have to address a number of important questions tonight. How long should this boycott stretch on? How should the NBA respond? Will players agree to stay on campus or will some go home? Is the season in jeopardy?
Referencing the latter, at least some players seem to think so:
Emotions are raw, players were already worn out of bubble environment prior to the Jacob Blake shooting and sources say discussions within teams are ongoing about postponing tomorrow's three games too — and beyond. "The season is in jeopardy," one vet player here tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Moving forward, I think the expectation should be that games will only continue if the NBPA and NBA can reach an agreement on how to better get their message across. Players have reportedly felt as though the current actions in place haven’t been enough, so unless the league can ensure them that the playoffs do not distract from the greater meaning, it’s hard to picture players feeling comfortable enough to take the court. Whether this turns out to be a one-day boycott or another league shutdown, the players did something historic and powerful today. The national spotlight on this systemic issue has just become even brighter, and the NBA players (as well as the rest of us) shouldn’t stop until we’re confident better days lie ahead.
If one thing is for sure, whatever decision is made, NBA fans should support it. These players not only made their voices heard, but they amplified the voice of all those who continue to fight for racial equality in this country.
We’ll be sure to update you on what comes from the meeting tonight.
