Martin Luther King Jr. day is always a special time in the NBA. The league embraces the holiday with a full day of games and many teams and players do special things to honor the civil rights legend who was assassinated in 1968. This year’s festivities brought a mix of reverence for King’s legacy and inspiration to carry forward his works.
Player wore shirts with a King Jr. quote on the backs, and various teams did special tributes to the civil rights legend. Afternoon games in the NBA started at 12:30 in New York, with the Knicks taking on the Thunder. Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook wore a special Equality colorway of his signature shoe to honor King Jr. on Monday.
Russell Westbrook's kicks for #MLKDAY
The Thunder take on the Knicks at 12:30 at MSG https://t.co/zxk6vmAQeC pic.twitter.com/FzgISQrXy6
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) January 21, 2019
Other players paid special tribute to King Jr. on Monday, including LeBron James, who shared a King quote along with a video clip of a basketball non-profit in Chicago.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”-Dr. King ✊🏾 When you believe in something and believe in your community, no one can stop you from creating change. This is what it takes @mckinleynelson_ #untilweallwin #BHM pic.twitter.com/q8lPKipi11
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 21, 2019
Carmelo Anthony is waiting to see if he will find his way off the Houston Rockets on Monday, but he took the time to honor King Jr. with a message on Twitter.
We all have something to contribute to making the spaces we occupy better. #MLKDay #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/jDkA8aZzpN
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) January 21, 2019
Other NBA players visited important civil rights landmarks, including the civil rights museum in Washington D.C.
A group of current and former @NBA & @WNBA players took a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in honor of #MLKJrDay #MLK90 #MLKDay2019 #LegendsofBasketball
📸: @Candace_Parker, @LionelHollins14, @ElliotPerry34, @chrisbosh & @BillWalton pic.twitter.com/3jvA6aHINu
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) January 21, 2019
The Memphis Grizzlies celebrated an afternoon tip with a special offer for government employees currently furloughed in the government shutdown.
Grizzlies offering free tickets to MLK Game at 4:30 p.m. for furloughed government employees during the current federal government shutdown. At the FedExForum Box Office, workers with an I.D. for any federal government department will be able to claim two tickets while they last.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 21, 2019
The NBA is one of the most socially aware leagues through and through, from players and coaches to teams. It’s no surprise given the current landscape that many took special time to appreciate the work and legacy of one of the most important citizens the country has ever seen.
