The NBA, along with its multitude of fans, is trying to decide if Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s statement on Hong Kong is one to celebrate or criticize
The NBA is composed of 450-plus of the best basketball players in the world, approximately 24 percent of which are international. Where the league once sat in a U.S-dominated stance, non-domestic talent has taken the league by storm, in the form of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, Joel Embiid, and many more. Well before their time, there was Dirk Nowitzki, Arvydas Sabonis, and Drazen Petrovic.
Yet, easily one of the most influential players in international NBA history is Chinese-born, 7-foot-6 Yao Ming.
The relationship created by Yao’s dominance between the NBA and China led to huge changes in the way teams looked for international talent, and how business was conducted between two of the world’s most powerful countries.
On Sunday, Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted out a picture that read:
"‘Fight For Freedom, Stand With Hong Kong’."
While NBA executives are not necessarily encouraged to speak their minds on political issues, this instance is different, as it creates rifts in the extremely lucrative business conducted between the NBA and its Chinese partners. Following the tweet, it was reported that the Houston Rockets, as a result of their connection with Morey, would be blacklisted, redacted from view in China.
The statement without a doubt raises a concern about the future of the Rockets and the NBA as a whole in China. Yet, this is hardly the first time that members of the league have spoken out on world issues.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass releases statement from league on Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s situation. pic.twitter.com/GQyi1k7Qk4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 7, 2019
Gregg Popovich, the coach of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, often lends his opinion on world issues, from U.S. President Donald Trump to the issue of the U.S. National Anthem. Warriors coach Steve Kerr regularly speaks on issues beyond the game, including gun control, and race relations in the league and the United States in general.
Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter, a native of Turkey, is no stranger to the proclamation of one’s political views, especially on the world stage. As a result of Kanter’s statements, international travel for Kanter has become a threat to his life.
So what separates these instances from Morey’s Hong Kong situation? To put it plainly, the NBA needs to protect its bottom line. Turkey’s avoidance of Kanter’s games doesn’t cost the NBA a dime. Popovich and Kerr’s statements on politics are accepted as they create healthy discussion within fans. However, the redaction of the Rockets from China, and the cancellation of several Chinese NBA events; that costs money, and lots of it.
On Monday, Rockets guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook chimed in on the situation. Harden stated:
"“We apologize. We love China. We love playing there. Both of us, we go there once or twice a year. They show us most support so we appreciate them.”"
While the sentiment is true in that authentic fans are common in China, with the air of apology ever-present, the words themselves seem almost encouraged by a corporate strategist, rather than from the heart. Even with the support of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the Rockets are in a complicated position. With rumors, all of which were shot down, about the potential removal of Morey from his position, Rockets fans still have a reason for concern.
However, the NBA operates primarily in a country in which free speech is a basic right, and that means that Daryl Morey’s statement is hardly out of line. Adam Silver voiced his support and acknowledged the fact that not only does Morey have the NBA’s support, but that the league is well aware of the financial ramifications as a result of their support.
As the issue develops, Chinese broadcasting firms CCTV, Tencent, and Vivo have suspended the NBA’s broadcasts and promotion, and Nike China has pulled all Rockets products from their site.