Magic's Fultz, Raptors' VanVleet vow to continue fighting for social justice

Markelle Fultz and the Orlando Magic will be among 22 teams competing at Walt Disney World when the 2019-20 NBA season resumes in late July.

The former No. 1 overall pick believes the league's return won't necessarily take away from the work he and his peers have done in the fight for social justice.

"I think as long as we're safe, this is something that we all need," Fultz told reporters during a Monday conference call, including ESPN's Nick Friedell. "Basketball is a big part of a lot of people's lives. Not just ours, but our families, people that just watch it. So I feel as though there's two ways to this path of the NBA returning.

"But I feel as though we can make it the best of both worlds, as long as we're doing everything that we can do for not only ourselves but standing up for what's right in this world."

Fultz said he and his teammates are putting together a video addressing social issues.

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet contemplated sitting out, but he plans to suit up Aug. 1 when the defending champs take the floor against the Los Angeles Lakers.

VanVleet suggested players will use some of the money they make to support social justice initiatives and vowed to continue fighting racism beyond the 2019-20 campaign.

"We all know the right thing to do is to not play, to take a stand. Morally, yes, that makes sense," VanVleet told reporters, including ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "But life goes on. We're all young, Black guys. None of us want to give any money back. I don't think that we should. I think that money can be used in a number of different ways. ...

"This issue, racial injustice, social injustice, police brutality, all these things are not ending anytime soon. Our fight was long term. ... But if the league, or more of my guys would have come together and said we didn't want to play, I would have sat out as well. I wouldn't have even fought it.

"I think most of us decided to play. It's something we'll have to live with. I trust that my heart's in the right place and I'm doing enough to make change."

NBPA executive director Michele Roberts has spoken about the "unique opportunity" the resumption of the season offers players to continue combating systemic racism and police brutality in the United States.

The NBA and its union are currently working together to allow players to replace the last name on their jersey with a social justice statement.