The NBA and its players union are no strangers to taking political stances, especially not with the revelation that the league will make its support of both the Black Lives Matters movement and protests against police brutality a central theme in Orlando.
But Michele Roberts, the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, let her stance be known on how she felt about President Donald Trump when she contrasted the leadership styles of he and NBPA president Chris Paul.
Roberts made the statement in a wide-ranging interviewwith Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. In Mussatto’s story, he details the working relationship between Roberts and Paul, with Roberts heaping heavy praise upon one of the best leaders she’s observed.
Roberts even went as far as to contrast Paul and his leadership style to that of President Donald Trump, although Roberts didn’t exactly call the President by name.
“I won’t name any names, but there have been other marquee players that have been on the executive committee,” Roberts said. “They haven’t come close, they haven’t come close to providing and demonstrating a level of commitment and time that Chris has.
“And he’s not only just there, he’s engaged, he understands the issues. Unlike some people, that you might call the president of the United States, he likes to be briefed. He does insist on hearing all sides, and he brings in the other players.”
Behind the scenes, Paul has been credited with playing an integral role in the league coming to an agreement with Walt Disney World to host the conclusion of the NBA’s 2019-20 season.
Since play was suspended in March, the union — which includes Roberts and Paul — have worked tirelessly to ensure that its constituents have been represented.
According to Roberts, as he’s done on the court, Paul has proven to be an effective leader off of it, as well.
