Adam Silver is powerless in a lot of ways. He can suggest and nudge but cannot exert his force of will on pressing issues.
He’ll do his best on bringing up issues of diversity in the coaching ranks, knowing billionaires will do what they want no matter the public appearance.
Silver can know what having an All-Star Game in midst of a pandemic in Atlanta will do for his league’s reputation, but is well-aware the NBA needs it for its financial bottom line.
The mixed messages rightly made the public question its intentions considering the NBA positioned itself as some bastion of morality when it’s impossible to satisfy billionaires, partner with players and have a conscience at the same time.