Jaylen Brown advocates providing opportunities for qualified African Americans

It has been one of the most recurrent issues in recent seasons. Years ago, black coaches proliferated in the NBA; however – and without going into assessing the reasons – such number has decreased so that it is the white race that clearly prevails in number today. The League has always promoted diversity and meritocracy to balance opportunities; The point is, it’s something that has been in question with hires like Chris Finch from the Minnesota Timberwolves, when the Coaches Association officially expressed disappointment with the process for his signing.

In such a broad and conflictive framework as racial equality in the United States, there is a player who has always been at the forefront of African-American demands: Jaylen Brown. The Boston Celtics player was one of the most active after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, and even drove 15 hours by car to be in a massive demonstration in Atlanta. He has never hidden his opinion. He has always pushed for blacks to have their place in the NBA, and in life. With this, when it was time for the greens to sign a new head coach After sending Brad Stevens to the offices, he pointed out to the organization the importance of hiring qualified African-American technicians.

“They were on board on that issue. They talked about it. It wasn’t like it was just about being African American. Udoka is more than qualified, “says Brown to The Undefeated stressing that he pointed out to the franchise that it was important to hire a black head coach.

Jaylen understands that her words can generate some controversy, but clarifies that it is not about affirming positive discrimination, but about equalizing the options to certain positions, taking into account that there are highly qualified African American personnel who need to be visible.

“Either because they were just trying to shut us up, or because they really believed it was the right thing to do, I don’t care. That representation is important. That is giving people the access and resources they need and deserve to have, especially former players. They also deserve to have a seat at the table, especially in coaching positions, as well as office positions, property positions… Those are also important, especially when it comes to qualified positions ”.

Brown is clear about his convictions, but he does not deny that there may be different opinions. Again, your only goal is for everyone to have the same opportunities.

“That is my argument. People may disagree and say, “They are not qualified. They just get the job because they are African American. ‘ They’ve seen people say that in the media and other things like that. That’s an insult. There are many skilled African Americans and black people who can do their jobs and, as I say, they deserve to have a seat at the table, ”he says.

It may sound like Jaylen Brown intends to hire black coaches beyond his level, but it is not. It may be necessary to ‘exaggerate’ your voice to be heard, but your message goes beyond such a simple argument. With Ime Udoka there are no doubts. A particular person may more or less like him, but the truth is that he has carved his way – and his opportunity – working alongside Gregg Popovich for seven long seasons before trying out new horizons in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. The next step in his career should be to become a bench chief, and Boston has given him such an opportunity. Okay, as if they had appointed a white coach. Jaylen doesn’t ask for favoritism, just that those black people who deserve to make such a leap are not left behind.

(Photograph by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)