The Nets players and coaches talked about many things as they prepare for Friday’s (re) opening against Magic, including how they will voice their concerns about the state of social justice in America. Nothing has been set yet, Garrett Temple told reporters about the team’s daily Zoom call, but whatever they choose to do, they will do it as a team, as a unit.
“Whatever we do, we will do it as a team and make sure everyone is comfortable with what we do,” said Temple. “We will do something and you will all see it when it happens.”
Whether it is kneeling during the national anthem or something else, it will be the result of long discussions, Temple and Jacque Vaughn have noted.
“We haven’t talked much about COVID,” said Temple. “We talked about Breonna Taylor, Black Lives Matter, things we see as things that need to be changed. Bringing Breonna Taylor’s murderers to justice, things like that. “
“It’s an ongoing discussion that continues to be at the forefront of how we live in today’s world,” added Vaughn. “It is my responsibility to continue to have it as an active conversation, whether it is an individual conversation with the individual or to present something to the group.”
In addition to the discussions, Vaughn has recommended everything from books to podcasts to his players, hoping that they further illuminate what’s going on in the country. He said he is planning to read a book entitled “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You” by Jason Reynolds.
Joe Harris said that during the discussions, the networks “have collectively discussed everything that needs to change, socially, and we have been fortunate to be in a position where we have many opportunities and resources available for us.”
In recent days, the networks were part of a conference call between the NBA and WNBA players and the former First Lady Michelle Obama, on the importance of the vote.
“There were over 100 people in that call, both NBA and WNBA players,” said Harris. Things of that nature are really promoting what I think will bring about real change. I think that collectively we can do more together to be definitely down here. “
Harris said strong words in support of Vaughn’s role with the Orlando team.
“JV has been phenomenal,” said the veteran who serves the nets the longest. “I thought he was exceptional even before all this, but in all of this, he was the perfect leader for us, setting an example in different ways both on and off the pitch.”
Harris added that the nets were “very fortunate” to have Vaughn as a manager.
One thing that the nets didn’t have to worry about when preparing for the league restart and their off-field discussions is health. For the second week in a row on Wednesday, the NBA and NBPA announced that there have been no positive new tests for coronavirus, a very different situation from Major League Baseball in which 16 players from the Miami Marlins traveling team proved themselves. positive.
“The NBA has done a great job of keeping us safe on the bubble. The kids are following the protocols, so we’re fine, “said Temple, who like Kyrie Irving is a member of the union executive committee.
“I think it’s a clear warning to stay vigilant and practice all protocols,” Vaughn said of the contrast between the NBA and MLB. “I think the NBA has done incredible work in defining the format and guidelines, and it is up to people to respond to these guidelines in a respectful and mature way.”
Meanwhile, the NBA has announced an expansion of its community test program, noting that it is working on creating free test programs in Orlando and in various team markets across the country to offer free tests to residents, particularly in areas where tests are poor at the moment.
The league had begun to receive criticism for its test regime with its rapid turnaround in light of growing test problems across the country.
And back in Brooklyn, the team and the Barclays Center will once again host a pantry of mobile food in the arena to help feed Brooklyn families. The pantry, which will be open from 11 to 15, will be managed by the New York Food Bank with partners such as Key Food, Snipes and Tyson Foods. It is the second time that the arena has hosted a mobile pantry.
