Raptors' Powell 'really upset' with how social messages for jerseys were limited

Much like some of his peers, Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell wanted to personalize his jersey message for the Orlando restart. 

According to The Athletic's Blake Murphy, Powell said he was "really upset" with the limited options available for the social messages players are allowed to put on the back of their jersey. He said the choices were "cookie cutter," but he will wear the option of "Black Lives Matter" on his jersey. 

Powell told the media that he would have worn the phrase "Am I Next?" if players had the option to choose their own messages. 

"I wish there wasn't even a list," Powell said, per Murphy. "It's a topic where it's freedom of speech, and you're taking the name off the back of your jersey...We shouldn't be boxed in on a topic like this." 

According to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, the NBA and NBPA agreed to the list of messages available July 3, and there are 29 messages players can use. 

Players such as LeBron James, Al Horford and Mike Scott have voiced opinions similar to Powell's, talking about wanting to have their own message.  

The messages are a way to help bring awareness to systemic racism and racial injustice, as the need for more social justice has shown this summer. The deaths of Black men and women such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have prompted the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement, with protests happening across the country.

Having a list of pre-approved messages defeats the purpose of empowering the players, though. They should have had the option to choose any message heading into the bubble.  

The NBA will begin its rebooted season July 30, with the Utah Jazz playing the New Orleans Pelicans on opening night. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers will also play that day.