With 12 games scheduled for MLK Day, the NBA honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by living the legacy of his words and life’s work.
NBA players through the years visit @NCRMuseum in honor of MLK Day. pic.twitter.com/9okvsgDdZf
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 17, 2023
From New York to Los Angeles, every player warmed up T-shirts with the messages “Now is the time to make justice happen for all” and “Honor King” to commemorate the holiday, but the messages didn’t end there.
❝NOW is the time to make JUSTICE FOR ALL a reality.❞ – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/Ku4Xj9Kapd
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 17, 2023
Time to play ball. Come on Knicks! pic.twitter.com/8MLrA38TD7
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 17, 2023
From pregame speeches to halftime performances, Dr. King was honored throughout the day.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Before today’s game, Jaylen Brown spoke about systemic racism and the importance of using one’s platform to fight for what’s important. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/72h89lI60V
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2023
“Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr… Systemic racism is real, it affects the city of Boston as well as the rest of our society. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King and others “. who have sacrificed their lives and platform for the cause we all believe in. Rest assured, the fight continues…”
With the Celtics hosting the Pelicans to open MLK Day action, Brown addressed the TD Garden crowd before kickoff, sharing a powerful message that serves as a reminder why we must continue to live Dr. King’s legacy. every day.
Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards
.@Dan_G33 addressed the crowd before kickoff today as we honor and celebrate the legacy of MLK.#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/oEOi925seX
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 17, 2023
Cleveland Knights
Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland and Lamar Stevens discuss the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and the meaning of playing in #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/tDhgX00Jgm
— Bally Cleveland Sports (@BallySportsCLE) January 17, 2023
Atlanta Hawks MLK Wall
Introducing the new ‘MLK Wall’ inside @StateFarmArena, a special tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8BE05aHYJA
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 17, 2023
In Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. King, the Hawks have built an MLK wall at State Farm Arena, featuring the center court logo from last season’s MLK court and a graphic of the MLK uniforms that the team wore during the 2020-21 season.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Falcons
.@BigO21_ with a special message on MLK Day presented by @To pursue 🙌 pic.twitter.com/LMDXUaxLJG
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 17, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/gxeFPIVTaL
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 17, 2023
“MLK Day means a lot,” LeBron James stated. “It means someone stood for something bigger than himself. He stood for the greatest of people, no matter their race, no matter their color, and he stood for love, not hate.”
Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat
“Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.” #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/t4bqztcu6l
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 18, 2023
Trae Young, Atlanta Falcons
“Playing on this day is an honor.”
Trae Young talks about Dr. King’s lasting legacy and what it means to him to play on MLK Day. pic.twitter.com/P9f9B1oOCa
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2023