It’s been a whirlwind week for the NBA and China. It all started when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the Hong Kong protesters, setting off a firestorm that has led to canceled events, damaged relationships, and a whole lot of soul searching. If you’re just now tuning into the story, here’s a primer on what happened and where things stand.
The Tweet Heard Round the World
It all started with a single tweet from Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey. On October 4, Morey posted a now-deleted image that read “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” The tweet was in reference to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong against China’s encroachment on the city’s autonomy.
Morey’s tweet immediately set off a firestorm in China. The Chinese Basketball Association—of which the Rockets are the official partner— announced that it was suspending ties with the team, while Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said it would no longer air Rockets games. Chinese sponsors also began pulling their support for the team, leading to massive financial losses for the Rockets.
Faced with this backlash, Morey quickly deleted his tweet and issued an apology. However, the damage had already been done. The NBA had found itself at the center of a major political controversy, one that showed no signs of abating any time soon.
The Fallout Continues
In the days since Morey’s initial tweet, both he and the Rockets have issued multiple statements seeking to tamp down the controversy. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta even went so far as to declare that Morey does not speak for the team—a claim that was quickly debunked by Morey himself. Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has issued multiple statements stressing that while Morey has a right to his opinion, it does not necessarily reflect those of the league as a whole.
The NBA’s initial response was widely criticized as being too soft on China and not supportive enough of Morey’s right to free speech. In particular, many were quick to point out that Silver’s statement about the NBA being “Apolitical” rang hollow in light of recent comments from Silver and other league officials about how players should use their platform to speak out on social issues.
What’s Next?
For now, both sides seem content to wait things out and see how much damage has been done. The NBA is facing immense pressure from both its business partners in China and from within its own ranks to take a stronger stance on this issue—but it remains to be seen whether or not it will actually do so. This story is developing rapidly, so be sure to check back for updates as they become available.
Conclusion
The NBA is caught in the middle of a major political controversy after Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted his support for Hong Kong protesters. In the days since, Morey has deleted his tweet and issued an apology, but the damage has already been done. The Chinese government has responded by suspending ties with the Rockets, pulling sponsorships, and canceling broadcasts of games—leading to massive financial losses for the team. commissioner Adam Silver has issued multiple statements stressing that while Morey has a right to his opinion, it does not necessarily reflect those of the league as a whole. The NBA is facing immense pressure from both its business partners in China and from within its own ranks to take a stronger stance on this issue—but it remains to be seen whether or not it will actually do so. This story is developing rapidly, so be sure to check back for updates as they become available..