Howard believes political issues bigger than basketball
The Los Angeles Lakers were sitting atop the ultra competitive Western Conference when the National Basketball Association suspended play back in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably so, most Lakers and stars on other top teams across the NBA are eager to resume the season and conclude the current campaign. Not Lakers centre Dwight Howard though.
“No basketball till we get this resolved.” Howard wrote in a statement on Sunday, “I agree with Kyrie (Irving). Basketball, or entertainment period, isn’t needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction.”
The Brooklyn Nets star made headlines on Friday when he reportedly told NBA players on a conference call “I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullsh*t. Something smells a little fishy,” according to Shams Charania. Irving also reportedly added “I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform).”
However, Irving wasn’t expected to be able to play again this season even if the league is able to resume as he underwent shoulder surgery back on March 3rd. Howard, on the other hand is healthy and playing on one of the favourites to win the championship. But the 34-year-old believes some things are more important than winning his first title.
“I would love nothing more than to win my very first NBA Championship. But the unity of My People would be an even bigger Championship, that’s just to (sic) beautiful to pass up.”
“This is a rare opportunity that, I believe, we as a community should be taking full advantage of.” He wrote, “When have we ever had this amount of time to be with our families. This is where Unity starts.”
While many were quick to critisize Irving suggesting that he wasn’t in the position to speak given both his personal and team’s status when the league halted. However, Howard has been in the league for 16 years and is willing to give up his best opporunity to win an NBA Championship to help raise awareness and spark change.
“The less distractions, the more we can put into action into rediscovering ourselves. Nations come out of families. Black / African American is not a Nation or Nationality. It’s time Our Families become their own Nations.”
The NBA was planning on having 22 teams report to Orlando to finish playing eight regular season games each, before kicking off the playoffs with 16 teams. The idea was originally applauded by fans, players and media alike as most were just eager to see the game return. However, the tragic killing of George Floyd has seen protests erupt around the world and across the United States with many NBA players and executives coming out to condemn systemic racism.
It remains to be seen whether more players will become start speaking out against the idea of playing in Orlando, but the two veterans voicing their opinion will surely give other players the confidence to do so as well if they so choose.
Along with playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard has also spent time with the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards.
