NBA: Irving, Durant, Melo lead meeting as players mull not returning this season

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving reportedly led a conference call involving about 80 NBA players as they discussed the possibility of not joining the season’s resumption in Orlando.

The all star guard was a “driving force” in the meeting, according to both Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Irving led a meeting which also involved teammate Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Donovan Mitchell.

Sources: Kyrie Irving led a call of 80-plus NBA players, including Chris Paul/Kevin Durant/Carmelo Anthony/Donovan Mitchell, and Irving and several players spoke up about not supporting resumed season due to nationwide unrest from social injustice/racism.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020

Donovan Mitchell, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard among others spoke out about possibly sitting out due to social/COVID-19 issues, per sources. NBPA leadership, Paul/Garrett Temple, provided insight too. Every player had a voice — wants to find purpose, whether they play or not.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020

Kyrie Irving told NBA players on call Friday, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium: "I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy."

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020

Why players are hesitant to resume the season does not only concern virus-related issues.

Due to country-wide protests regarding systemic racism and the unlawful deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police, players seem to prioritize using their platforms to attract more attention for the matter, not minding skipping basketball for now.

Yahoo Sources: Significant number of players disappointed their voice wasn’t heard in decision to restart season, and others believe black players sequestered to entertain and ease league’s economic burden amid racial tension is bad optics. https://t.co/F4BiqWD6uQ pic.twitter.com/hhw8rGdLh8

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 12, 2020

Furthermore, a report by Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes detailed that players feel they didn’t have a voice when the NBA decided to resume play.

The NBA approved last week a plan to restart the season beginning on July 31st with 22 teams participating.