Before the start of the Milwaukee-Orlando game, for the resumption of the NBA playoffs interrupted several days by a boycott of the players, a tribute was paid to the actor Chadwick Boseman, the former player Clifford Robinson and the former coach Lute Olson.
At the end of three days of boycott following the Jacob Blake affair, the resumption of the NBA playoffs was done with emotion. Before the start of the meeting between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic, a tribute with a minute of silence was paid to Chadwick Boseman.
Star of Black panther, the American actor died on Friday at the age of 43 from colon cancer. The NBA has declared “mourning” the passing of a “great family friend” from basketball.
The Bucks and Magic observe a moment of silence in honor of Cliff Robinson, Lute Olson and Chadwick Boseman. pic.twitter.com/dtnkzE6XyS
– NBA (@NBA) August 29, 2020
“Uncle Cliffy”
A tribute was paid at the same time to Clifford Robinson and Lute Olson. The death of the first city had been announced a few hours earlier by his family. The causes of death were not communicated, however.
Former All-Star in 1994 with the Portland Trail Blazers, “Uncle Cliffy” also won the title of best sixth man in 1993. He scored a total of 19,591 points during his 18 NBA seasons, which saw him go through. the Phoenix Suns, the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors and the New Jersey Nets.
After his career, he was particularly noted for his participation in the American delegation led by Dennis Rodman to visit North Korea, but also for his investments in the cannabis business, which he campaigned for legalization. He was 53 years old. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” assured the NBA, who said he was “deeply touched”.
The NBA family is deeply touched for the passing of Clifford Robinson. For 18 seasons, NBA All-Star, winner of the Sixth Man Trophy and selected in the All-Defensive Team. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Nkg0E8HeuY
– NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) August 29, 2020
Knee down
A former college basketball coach with a well-stocked record, Lute Olson left this world at the age of 85 on August 27. He had notably been the coach of the United States national team which won the 1986 world championship. After his withdrawal from the courts in 2008, he entered the basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. “He’s a man. incredible that marked my life, “said Mike Budenholzer, coach of the Bucks.
During this tribute, the players from Milwaukee and Orlando dropped to one knee, which also recalled their activism in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. The leader George Hill, one of the leaders of the boycott organized to protest against police violence, also chose not to be on the floor with his teammates when the national anthem sounded in the Disney World bubble.
