SHANGHAI: Two-time MVP Stephen Curry said Saturday it would be “counter-productive” for NBA players to follow their NFL counterparts by kneeling in protest during the national anthem.
Scores of National Football League (NFL) players have taken a knee during the anthem in defiance of US President Donald Trump, who two weeks ago blasted the practice as an insult to the country.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick first began kneeling last year to highlight perceived unjust treatment of African-Americans.
Curry had previously said he would likely skip the customary visit by his defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors to the White House over Trump’s policies, which prompted the president to revoke the entire team’s invitation in a Twitter outburst.
“Anything beyond that is, for me, kind of counter-productive,” Curry said when asked about the possibility of anthem protests in the NBA.
Curry, whose Warriors are in Shanghai for the second of two China pre-season games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, said there are better ways, such as being active in their communities, for players to make their views known.
“At the end of the day, we all as individuals have an opportunity to be a vessel of light and love ... by how we treat each other and what we stand for,” he said.
ESPN reported a week ago that the NBA already had sent a memo to teams saying players must stand for the anthem when the season opens on October 17.
Kevin Durant, who has bolstered the Warrior’s quest for a third title in four years by joining the team this season, said he would not kneel but “wouldn’t look at it as a surprise” if other players did.
Retired Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, in a podcast released on Wednesday by The Hollywood Reporter, said he would kneel during the anthem if he was still playing.
Trump’s tirade against NFL protesters provoked an unprecedented show of defiance two weeks ago when a large number of mostly black players dropped to one knee during the anthem, while other players stood with arms interlocked.
The NBA, in its memo to teams reported by ESPN, said the league has the discretion to discipline players who violate a rule requiring that teams stand for the anthem.
The memo suggested that teams make an effort in their first home game to address the current political climate by having players and coaches give a pregame address to their fans.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has also said he expects players to stand for the anthem.
Two-time MVP Curry: NBA anthem protests would be ‘counter-productive’
Two-time MVP Curry: NBA anthem protests would be ‘counter-productive’
Dubai Basketball endure home loss in EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna
- The club enters the second half of the season with a 10–12 record
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball were beaten 80-72 by Virtus Bologna at Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday in round 22 of the EuroLeague, in a game where key individual performances made the difference.
The hosts remained competitive throughout, despite Virtus holding a slim advantage for most of the night. Dubai found rhythm in phases, particularly during the middle quarters, and stayed within striking distance until the closing minutes.
However, Virtus managed the decisive moments more efficiently and protected their lead late on.
Aleksa Avramovic led Dubai with 17 points, providing energy and shot-making that kept the home side in the game. His scoring run in the second half briefly shifted momentum and forced Virtus to adjust defensively.
Dwayne Bacon also made a strong contribution, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Dubai continued to battle physically on both ends of the floor.
Virtus were anchored by an outstanding performance from Saliou Niang, who recorded 17 points and 17 rebounds.
Dubai Basketball’s upcoming games will be decisive as the club enters the second half of the season with a 10–12 record. In February they face EuroLeague heavyweights Olympiacos and Real Madrid at home.
