NBA Players Want Atlanta To Cancel Magic City Night

When it comes to theme nights in sports, some are hits (such as bobbleheads and player honorings), while others fail. Chalk up the Atlanta Hawks' recent announcement that they will be honoring Magic City on March 16 under one of the worst ideas. And yet not only did someone in the Hawks' public relations department approve of it, but so too did the NBA.  

For those who are unaware, Magic City is a famous gentlemen’s club in Atlanta, known for attracting some of the biggest names in entertainment (not to mention some shady characters). When the Atlanta Hawks announced "Magic City Monday" for their March 16 matchup against the Orlando Magic, they probably expected a cool promotional buzz. What they got instead were heavily opinionated responses by the media as well as current and former NBA players.  

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet published an open letter on his Medium page titled "Concerning the Atlanta Hawks," voicing his opinion on the Hawks’ decision to celebrate Magic City. Kornet, a nine-year vet who's bounced around the league, isn't exactly a household name, which makes his willingness to share his thoughts on the issue unique, as usually it is more of the known players who make a public stand on issues. 

Kornet argued the NBA should "protect and esteem women" and create an atmosphere that is "protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love." The Spurs' big man also pointed out that letting the night go forward without objection would reflect poorly on the entire league.

Al Horford, a longtime team leader and one of the league's most respected veterans, who spent nine seasons in Atlanta, publicly backed Kornet with a simple post on X: "Well said, Luke."  While the response was short, considering Horford's longevity in the league and the respect he has among peers, it carried weight.

Former NBA champion turned analyst Richard Jefferson also sided with Kornet, taking the side from a parenting aspect, pointing out that he simply wouldn't want his kids seeing that at an NBA game.  While he isn’t against Magic City itself, Jefferson acknowledged that the club can do whatever it wants, but questioned whether the NBA's brand should be attached to it.

Despite the pushback, the Hawks do not appear to be considering cancelling the event as Magic City Monday is still on. The event will feature specialty wings, co-branded merch, and a performance by Atlanta rapper T.I. 

While every major city around North America has at least one, and likely one that has a lengthy history behind it, a "cultural institution" and "appropriate NBA theme night" aren't always the same thing, and apparently, a growing number of players, media, and public agree. The question is, why can’t the Hawks and the NBA see it?