Rockets Russell Westbrook, P.J. Tucker advocate for wearing masks

The Houston Rockets are using their platform to address several issues going on in the world, including ways to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The NBA restart is officially here, as the first four scrimmage games will be taking place today in the Orlando bubble. While the Houston Rockets don’t start their scrimmage games until Friday, they’ve already been hard at work raising awareness for several causes during media interviews.

One cause that several Rockets have been speaking about is the Black Lives Matter movement and the overall sweeping movement for racial justice and equality.

James Harden spoke about the movement the day he arrived in Orlando while Russell Westbrook began today’s media availability sporting a shirt from his new clothing line that incorporates phrases like Am I Next, By Any Means, and Systemic Racism.

Russell Westbrook wearing one of his Honor The Gift shirts produced in conjunction with the NBPA. pic.twitter.com/OsFXoBKK25

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 22, 2020

The Houston Rockets comment on wearing masks

Westbrook also addressed another important issue affecting not only this country but the entire world, when he spoke about COVID-19. “Wearing a mask can be the difference between life and death,” said Westbrook. “People are dying from this virus each and every day, and it’s something we need to take very seriously.”

Russell, of course, was only recently cleared to join the team after he tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month. Now ready to make his return, Westbrook added that he’s thankful and blessed to be healthy and is very eager to get back on the court.

P.J. Tucker also spoke about the importance of listening to professionals when it comes to trying to prevent the spread of the virus. “If they say we wear masks, I wear a mask. At the end of the day, people are dying. A lot of people have died, and we’ve got to protect one another.”

The entire country is still heavily engaged in a battle with COVID-19, with the Rockets’ state of Texas being one of the most heavily hit areas. As of July 21st, the Houston Chronicle reported 4,212 total fatalities due to the coronavirus in Texas so far.