Luke Kornet
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on January 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The NBA has put a stop to the Magic City Night promotion following former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet’s public post, calling out the team for this collaboration.
The NBA released a statement on Monday, March 9, announcing the event cancellation, which included a statement from league commissioner Adam Silver.
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks‘ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners, and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
The team then released a statement in response to their event being canceled.
“While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision,” the Hawks said Monday. “As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”
Luke Kornet Said The Event Would ‘Reflect Poorly’ On The League
Luke Kornet
GettyLuke Kornet
In a passionate blog post, Kornet opened up about his feelings regarding the Hawks’ collaboration with Magic City, specifically to “respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with them.
“The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world. We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love,” the center wrote. “Allowing this night to go forward without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
“Regardless of how a woman finds her way into the adult entertainment industry, many in this space experience abuse, harassment, and violence to which they should never be subjected,” he continued. “I’d like to encourage the league, its owners, employees, and fans to hold the Atlanta Hawks to a higher standard of what they find worthy of promoting.”
“I and others throughout the league were surprised by and object to the Hawks’ decision. We desire to provide an environment where fans of all ages can safely come and enjoy the game of basketball and where we can celebrate the history and culture of communities in good conscience. The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision,” he concluded. “Please join me in petitioning the Atlanta Hawks to cancel this promotion so as to ensure that the NBA remains in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone involved.”
Former Celtics Fan-Favorite Al Horford Showed Support For Luke Kornet
Al Horford
Well said Luke.
Al Horford, who played alongside Kornet for four seasons from 2021-2025, showed his support on social media.
“Well said Luke,” Horford simply said, sharing the letter written by Kornet on X formerly known as Twitter.