First batch of NBA players’ social justice jersey messages revealed for Orlando

NBA players will make their voices heard on the court in Orlando.

One of the growing concerns regarding the upcoming NBA restart is how the league’s comeback may distract from the ongoing social justice protests over the past few months. To address some of these worries, the league will allow players to replace the names on their jerseys with messages instead.

As expected, numerous players will carry on the calls for change, as Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes revealed some of the names on the backs later this month.

In the small sample of players, there are recurring themes of “Equality,” “Education Reform” and “Vote” central to the recent protests. Ivica Zubac particularly stands out in his message of “Enough.” Haynes reported other names including “Freedom” and “How Many More?”.

Will the NBA’s jersey names prove impactful in leading to change?

The effort to allow altered jersey names is no surprise due to the NBA’s reputation as a progressive sports league, nor was it a surprise to learn that the players would be taking part.

The question becomes, how impactful will the jerseys be?

A word or phrase is certainly no replacement for real change, but it can act as a medium to inciting that change. At the very least, the names will bring the conversations dominating the nation onto a stage many will have their eyes on in a world lacking sports, even at the end of July when others will have resumed.

Seeing political messages on a basketball court also serves to emphasize the extent of the inequalities that do exist and the ability for sports to act as platforms against them.

Chris Haynes has shown us only the beginning and we are bound to see many more statements on the court this summer in a conversation that looks to live on much longer.