“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Sixteen teams wore shirts with these words prior to the eight games on the NBA schedule on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20.
To its credit, the National Hockey League now plays games, many of them matinees, on MLK Day.
However, the NBA set the standard for honoring King in a tradition that began more than 40 years ago. It is a high mark for the season, and it brings out the best in players, coaches and fans.
While I resided in the Washington D.C. area, the NBA franchise had not adopted the name Wizards, and it was among the league’s worst.
While a full arena awaited Michael Jordan and the Bulls or the L.A. Lakers, most games saw sparse crowds. The exception was the MLK Day game. Landover Arena would be jam-packed.
The Bullets, as they were still called, also would play above their talent grade and put on a good show.
You could feel the energy. The feeling still exists.
NBA.com interviewed several star players and coaches and asked them to describe Dr. King in one word.
Kyle Kuzma: “Resilient. He woke up every single day committed to making change.”
DeMar DeRozan: “Life-changing. He risked his life for a belief that he had, way before anybody could see that it was possible.”
Jalen Brunson: “Iconic. Everything he stood for, everything he believed in. The way he projected his beliefs on others made them believe too.”
R.J. Barrett: Legendary. Everything he stood for [and] everyone he helped. He lived his life to serve.
Other stars and coaches also shared their thoughts on Dr. King.
Steph Curry: “His words still ring true, what America should be a country that supports all backgrounds and the rights of all people.”
Coach Rick Carlisle: “His legacy is one of courage, one of vision. Everything he stood for is even more important today.”
Coach Willie Green: “Dr. King went against many obstacles to bring equality to our country.”
Tre Jones: “There were a lot of things he probably was scared of. He did not back down.”
Brandon Ingram: “He spoke his heart. He spoke his mind.”
Jaren Jackson: “He just captivated so many people.”
Devin Booker: “He changed the landscape for all of us. There wouldn’t be a league like we have now. It wouldn’t be a world like we have.”
Obi Toppin: “I wouldn’t be here. I’m blessed to be here and appreciate (Dr. King.)”
Al Horford: “Because of his effort, this country was able to make progress.”
Coach Michael Malone: Somedays I think we’ve come a long way. And other days I think we have a long way to go. The only way we’re going to get there is by staying together.”
The NBA set the standard for international growth, which the other major sports leagues in America are trying to emulate.
The success is rooted in the NBA knowing its history, and its belief that America will truly live up to Dr. King’s legacy – regardless of how many championships are won before that day comes.
The Reid Roundup
Had Lamar Jackson triumphed in the Baltimore Ravens’ AFC Divisional Playoff loss to Josh Allen and Buffalo Bills, it would have been guaranteed that a Black quarterback would win the Super Bowl…The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes host Allen and the Bills on Sunday evening in the AFC Championship game. Earlier on Sunday, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles host the rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders…Daniels again amazed the NFL by guiding the Commanders to a resounding victory over the heavily favored Detroit Lions in a NFC Divisional Playoff game…. As for the showdown against Philly, Daniels said, “I love my team, I’m confident in my team. We’ll roll with the next game and focus on that opponent.” …Among the best MLK NBA games, Memphis topped Minnesota 108-106. It was the 38th time Memphis, the site of Martin Luther King’s assassination, has hosted an MLK Day game…Golden State surprised Boston by winning on the road earlier this season, setting up a rematch on MLK Day. The Celtics trounced the Warriors 125-85 behind Jayson Tatum’s team-leading 22 points. It was Golden State’s worst home defeat in 40 years.