The NBA and NBPA last month sent a letter to players pledging to find a way to "spark positive change" amid the country's civil unrest, and the plan is "expected to be more action-oriented than protest-based," according to Sam Amick of USA TODAY. There "may be some [Colin] Kaepernick moments, players choosing not to stand during the anthem and thus forcing the league to decide whether to enforce its rule mandating player participation." But there will be "far more events" like Knicks F Carmelo Anthony's “community conversation” in L.A., where he was joined by 80 teenagers. By November, at least "half a dozen similar events are expected to take place across the country -- with a similar rate in the months that follow throughout the season." Players are being asked to "share their ideas and inspirations behind the scenes, not only as a way to maximize impact but to ensure they’re personally invested in the efforts." Meanwhile, owners are "getting in on the conversation, sending the right message of support." NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts is "doing her part," along with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his team. But it is the "many concerned players ... who are leading this charge" (USA TODAY, 10/5).
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| Celtics players crossed their arms and held hands before their game against the 76ers
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ALL TOGETHER NOW: In Boston, Steve Bulpett notes Celtics players and coaches last night "crossed their arms and held hands with those on either side during the singing of the national anthem" before their preseason opener against the 76ers. Their plan was "taken directly from the 1960-61 team photo in which the players and coach Red Auerbach are doing the same." Celtics players last night "stood from one side of the court to the other across the free throw line," designed to "make a statement." Celtics F Jae Crowder said, "We need change in this world. We need to do it together. Just not one individual; it’s got to be a team-type deal, a unity, a togetherness." Celtics coach Brad Stevens said, "We’ve had a lot of sit-down discussions about it. We’ve had a lot of individual discussions. We’ve had three or four meetings after practices" (BOSTON HERALD, 10/5). Also in Boston, Adam Himmelsbach notes a few minutes before tipoff, the Celtics’ official Twitter account "posted a 45-second video of the players discussing unity" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/5).
STARS ALIGN: In N.Y., Stefan Bondy notes Knicks C Joakim Noah and Anthony prior to last night's preseason opener in Houston "reached out to members of the Rockets to arrange a joint gesture, with 34 players from both teams standing side-by-side with arms around shoulders." The stars of both teams -- Anthony and Rockets G James Harden -- were "interlocked until the end of the anthem, with the line of players extending on the sideline from one bench to the other." All players "bowed their heads" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/5).
