Popovich's comments on Silver were not critical of China or its relationship with the NBANBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich indicated that he was "thrilled" with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's "response to the global firestorm" brought on by Rockets GM Daryl Morey's pro-Hong Kong tweet, according to Jeff McDonald of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Popovich prior to Spurs-Heat last night acknowledged the "hot-button nature of the crisis," praising Silver's "progressive credentials, saying he believed the commissioner's heart usually has been in the right place." Silver yesterday issued a statement that "walked a fine line between underscoring the league's 'great affinity for the people of China,' while also taking a stand for the free speech of the NBA's players, employees and team owners, which Silver said the league would not be in the business of policing." Popovich: "He came out strongly for freedom of speech (Tuesday). I felt great again. He's been a heck of a leader in that respect and very courageous." McDonald notes Popovich's comments "stayed far away from anything that could be construed as criticism of China" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 10/9). In San Antonio, Mike Finger writes some may claim Popovich's lauding of Silver was a "cop-out, and note that a coach known for speaking his mind stopped short of condemning a communist superpower and didn't go far enough in sticking up" for Morey. However, after the NBA "offered China an ill-advised apology, Silver gave his players and coaches an out by reversing course Tuesday, and Popovich took it." As much as Popovich "might like to speak out about what is happening in Hong Kong, he also knows he has to consider the interests of the league that pays him" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 10/9).
KEEPING TIGHT-LIPPED: In Houston, Jonathan Feigen notes Rockets Gs James Harden and Russell Westbrook and coach Mike D'Antoni yesterday after their game against the Raptors in Tokyo were "asked about the fallout" from Morey's tweet, as it has "far overshadowed their exhibition in Japan." Neither player "jumped into the controversy," and D'Antoni, noting that he "understood that the question had to be asked, especially looked uncomfortable with the topic" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/9). Meanwhile, the Nets and Lakers are preparing for two games later this week in China, and Nets C DeAndre Jordan said players are not "experts" in the ongoing geopolitical issue and instead are "experts in basketball." Jordan: "We wanted to come here to promote basketball and see all of our fans in China" ("The Jump," ESPN, 10/8). In Portland, John Canzano writes NBA players are too "economically aware to take a side in an un-winnable global fight." Alienating billions of Chinese consumers is "bad for the brand." It is "why the sneaker companies the athletes do lucrative endorsement business with don't want anything to do with this fight." That "explains the 72-hour cricket act from the league's influencers" (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/9).
SURPRISINGLY QUIET: Warriors coach Steve Kerr after practice on Monday was asked if he had any thoughts on the situation, and he responded, "I don't." Kerr: "What I've found is that it's easy to speak on issues that I'm passionate about and that I feel like I'm well-versed on, and I've found that it makes the most sense to stick to topics that fall in that category" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/9). In San Jose, Jon Becker notes Kerr's "non-stance made him a target of talk-show hosts on social media." Kerr has been "willingly outspoken on many lightning-rod topics such as social injustices, gun control and pretty much anything to do with President Trump," making this instance "certainly out of character" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 10/9).
