Kings' center Alex Len has issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of his homeland Ukraine.
Yesterday, Len issued a joint statement with Toronto Raptor and fellow Ukrainian Svi Mykhailiuk. They say they "categorically condemn the war," and urge their fellow countrymen and women to "hold on." Len caused some concern after missing practice Tuesday, citing trouble with his flight - he was not spotted at the Kings' practice facility on Wednesday either. Len was back in town yesterday, but interim head coach Alvin Gentry gave him last night's game off.
Members of the Sacramento Kings roster and coaching staff have been publicly supportive of Len's stance, with players standing in solidarity during Thursday night's game, and interim head coach Alvin Gentry remarking on the situation.
Len, 28, played high school basketball at Dnipropetrovsk Higher College before spending a season in the Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague. After two years playing for the Maryland Terrapins, Len was selected 5th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft.
Ukraine has produced nine NBA players and Len is the all-time leader in points scored, rebounds, blocks and assists among them.