There are lives that refuse spectacle and still command a room. Mr. Wilkens carried a peculiarly American burden with grace, coaching while playing, teaching while enduring, and choosing generosity over noise. The life he built is a text we must read carefully.
Discrediting Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell because the league was only 20% Black is ignorant. These men were pioneers, enduring racism, death threats, and media attacks while dominating the NBA. Clyde Frazier has spoken about the racism Black players endured well into the 1980s. Today’s NBA, where players stay at luxury resorts, exists because Wilt, Russell, and others fought for dignity and equality. The NBA is 80% Black because of their efforts, on and off the court. Respect your elders. The game would not be what it is today without them.
Thoughts Processed 