Will any Phoenix Suns players change their jersey for social issues?

The NBA will allow players to replace their names on their jerseys with social justice statements. Will any Phoenix Suns players take advantage?

One of the ways the NBA plans to provide a platform for players to raise awareness of social issues will be to allow them to replace the name on the back of their jerseys with some kind of social justice statement. I’m a big promoter of allowing players to put nicknames on the back of their uniform, and while this isn’ that, it is a good move by the NBA. The question is will any Phoenix Suns players take the NBA up on their offer?

While I anticipate many players around the league will use such noble phrases as “Black Lives Matter”, or “Wear a Mask,” some may choose to get a little more esoteric.

For example, Spencer Dinwiddie announced on Twitter he would put “Trillion” on his jersey to raise awareness on the national debt, which currently sits around 26 trillion, ironically his jersey number.

Far be it from me to tell someone which issue he or she should choose to promote, but picking the national debt as the one to roll with seems to both miss the moment and showcase a lack of understanding of global economics.

Will Phoenix Suns players put a message on their jersey?

So, what might Suns players do if they choose to go a different route than police brutality, global health, or racial inequality?

The Ricky Rubio Foundation focuses on lung cancer as well as underprivileged and disabled youth. Maybe he will pick something to help promote donations to these causes. Maybe he’ll put it in Spanish.

Similarly, Devin Booker is a Special Olympics ambassador. He could do something along this line. The Special Olympics motto is, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” I’m not sure what the character limit will be, but this likely exceed it. He may have to get a little creative.

Of course, he could help protect his girlfriend and put something like, “Down with Paparazzi” or “Stop Shaming Women For Sleeping Around.” Just an idea.

The most prominent of Deandre Ayton’s charity involvement has been to raise money for the hurricane relief fund for his native Bahamas. Perhaps another nod to that is in order. Then again, maybe, “Don’t Use Banned Substances” would be appropriate.

Whatever phrase they pick, unfortunately, won’t be nationally televised, so maybe they will choose not to pick one at all.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see who will use this Disney platform to promote social reforms, which issues they’ll choose, and how they will get their message across.

There will be a lot more to watch besides basketball when the NBA returns.