Nets’ Center Nic Claxton Questions Preseason Game Amidst Israeli Conflict
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has raised concerns about their scheduled preseason game against the Israeli basketball team Maccabi Ra’anana. He expressed reservations, citing the recent terror attacks by Hamas in Israel.
Claxton’s sentiments were shared during a press conference after practice on Wednesday. He expressed empathy for the Maccabi Ra’anana players but stated his belief that the game should not proceed. He emphasized that the world is currently facing much larger issues than a basketball game.
When asked to elaborate on why he believed the game should be called off, Claxton highlighted the broader global concerns overshadowing the basketball court.
Nets’ Head Coach Jacque Vaughn also addressed the matter, stating that Maccabi had expressed their desire to continue with the game despite the challenging circumstances in Israel.
However, the Maccabi Ra’anana players are reported to be grappling with mixed emotions about playing amid the ongoing crisis in their homeland.
One player, forward Jonathan Mor, described receiving alarming messages about bombings and missiles while he was in New York City. He and his teammates arrived in the United States for a three-game tour against NBA competition.
Mor, who resides in Tel Aviv, expressed the emotional toll of being separated from his homeland during this crisis, emphasizing that basketball now feels secondary to the situation. Although he lacks combat training, unlike his two brothers who were called up by the Israeli army, Mor expressed his desire to contribute by volunteering at hospitals or helping with the evacuation efforts.
Several Maccabi Ra’anana players have reportedly left to be with their families during these challenging times, according to Israeli-American player agent Dan Hazan, who assisted in organizing the game.
Following their game against the Nets, Maccabi Ra’anana is set to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the game against the Brooklyn Nets remains under scrutiny due to the ongoing conflict in Israel.
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