Kyle Korver has always been the kind of player, when you ask him even what seems like a routine question, he thinks it through, pausing before and as he answers, allowing all kinds of considerations to flow through his mind before finishing his thought.
In his essay, “Privileged,” posted at The Players’ Tribune, a piece that discusses racism, not just in the NBA, but in America, you can read — and feel — those thoughts caroming inside his mind, heart and soul, spilling out onto the screen in the form of something that’s too often missing in this world: unadulterated honesty.
Truth.
It is a must read.
It is what everyone should stop and think about, especially those who are part of the crowd he mentions as one, unlike more than 75 percent of NBA players, he could so easily fade into — white America.
While he differentiates between guilt and responsibility for racism and its awful effects, and overt racism — the loud, stupid kind that pronounces its idiocy to anyone within earshot — and the much more pervasive and, in ways, dangerous latent, under-the-surface sort, he makes it clear that he, after some past reluctance, wants to act out against racism, to do something, whatever he can.
This is the best part of his message, an example to the rest of us, who need to represent those worthy ideals in word and action. Don’t just shake our heads at racism, quietly being disappointed or appalled. Make a difference by doing something about it — in the way we vote, in the way we do business, in the way we interact with others, in the way we comport ourselves in every setting.
And Korver’s message at the end of his essay is powerful. He wants anyone and everyone who follows him on social media, or who cheers for him from the stands, or who buys and wears his jersey, to view him as a man who does not want to symbolize privileged white America. He does not want to be anybody’s great white hope in a league of color. He does not want to represent anything that has anything to do with anyone’s misdirected cause.
He wants to stand in line, arms locked, with the people with whom he works and plays and lives, regardless of the shade of their skin.
He says he intends on listening to everybody, and doing whatever he can to help eradicate racism in his circle. And thereby, maybe help others do the same.
He didn’t say that last part. I did.
But his example is a positive one, one that gives and spreads awareness and hope near and far for the present and future. It’s an example this country and its leaders need to see, a message they need to read, a call to action they need to heed.
Korver may rank among the best 3-point shooters in the history of the NBA. He may have made millions of dollars rotating a basketball through a hoop. At 38, he may be putting the finishing touches on a stellar pro career.
But, outside of his own family, he’s never done anything more important than putting his thoughts into written words, publishing what he wrote in this particular piece.
Please read it. And take note.
GORDON MONSON hosts “The Big Show” with Jake Scott weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 97.5 FM and 1280 AM The Zone.
Follow @GordonMonson