Kings, Nuggets show support for Len & Ukraine
The Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets showed their support for Kings center Alex Len and his country of birth Ukraine before their game on Thursday night.
The Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets showed their solidarity with Sacramento center Alex Len and his country of birth Ukraine by linking arms and holding a moment of silence before tip-off on Thursday night.
Golden 1 Center’s giant screen projected the message “No war.”
Before tonight's game tipped-off with the Kings and Nuggets in Sacramento, both teams joined arm-in-arm in support of Kings C Alex Len, whose home country of Ukraine has been invaded by Russia.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 25, 2022
Their message: "NO WAR." pic.twitter.com/qog1bx3Syl
Ukrainian players condemn war
Len and fellow Ukrainian Toronto Raptors shooting guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk had earlier issued a statement on Twitter denouncing Russia’s invasion of their home country and calling on their compatriots to stand strong.
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In a joint post with the hashtag #StandWthUkraine, they wrote:
“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine. We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny. We pray for our families, friends, relatives, and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible.
“Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”
НЕТ ВОЙНЕ #PrayForUkraine #StandWithUkraine @sviat_10 pic.twitter.com/hGJG4fE8Ce
— Alex Len (@alexlen) February 24, 2022
NBPA states their solidarity
The National Basketball Players Association likewise expressed their support for the two players and their homeland on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by the recent events in Ukraine, and especially with our Ukrainian players Alex Len and Sri Mykhailiuk and their families during this difficult time,” they wrote.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by the recent events in Ukraine, and especially with our Ukrainian players Alex Len and Svi Mykhailiuk and their families during this difficult time.
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) February 25, 2022
Len was born in Antratyst, Luhansk, and was a first-round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2013. Mykhailiuk’s hometown is Cherkasy, and he was drafted by the Lakers in 2018.
The Nuggets went on to defeat the home team, 128-110.