NBA: All-Stars speak up on speaking out

New Orleans • Steve Kerr doesn't think the responsibility of an NBA player is to be a crusader on social issues.

Even so, the Golden State Warriors coach sees the value of speaking out. There just has to be interest and sincerity there, Kerr said. He, along with several All-Stars, on Friday morning spoke of issues outside of basketball. They talked of how speaking out pertains to the NBA player, along with pros and cons of doing so.

For Kerr, it's a fine line, one that he's been more than willing to straddle.

"I think it's up to them individually," Kerr said. "I think if you feel a certain way, then it becomes important. But we all live different lives. We come from different backgrounds, and different journeys. What's important to me may not be important to someone else. We're all in a position to make a difference, and I think the players understand that."

For much of last decade, players have spoken up via Twitter. And recently, players and coaches haven't been afraid to speak on social issues in a public forum.

They stopped short of calling it a responsibility. But players made it clear on Friday that expressing an opinion is important.

"I don't think it's the responsibility of an athlete," Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins said. "I think if you have any heart and genuinely care about people as a human, it's a responsibility. We have a voice, and people hear our voices. So in that sense, it's very important."

Twins?

A highlight of Friday featured Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas playing the role of reporter during media availability. Dressed in a blue suit, he stopped Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward and took a photo with him, prompting onlookers to question who wore their hair the best. He took a selfie with Cousins in the background. He stopped Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and ribbed him about their rivalry in college (Stauskas went to Michigan, Green went to Michigan State). Of course, Green said he got the better of the matchups.

More Cousins

The Kings big man was asked his opinion on the NBA's Most Valuable Player. His answer?

"James Harden," Cousins said, referring to the Houston Rockets guard. "What he's doing this season has been incredible."

Then, Cousins was asked about his all-time starting lineup, which drew an interesting response. He listed Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal.

"No disrespect to Tim Duncan," Cousins said

Notable

Two notable players who weren't available to the media on Friday: James and Carmelo Anthony. Both were excused by the NBA to deal with personal matters. … The NBA placed Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and Warriors forward Kevin Durant on opposite sides of the room Friday during interviews. Of course, both were deluged with questions on the other, and neither answered.

tjones@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz