Juan Toscano’s leadership in the NBA and in politics

For Juan Toscano, the fifth Mexican player to make it to the NBA, at this time it is more valuable to support the "Black Lives Matter" movement in his hometown than to sigh in what was his debut this season with the Golden State Warriors. .

272 minutes played in his first year in the NBA, of course that is an achievement for Juan Toscano . But organizing a march in Oakland, California to demand racial equality represents a more valuable event for the Mexican player.

"We know who we are, I don't want to say 'public figures' in the community, but we are," replied the fifth Mexican to reach the NBA during the protest. “We just want to use that platform in a positive way. I don't want them to go and support me in Warriors games, I want their support now. I'd rather have people remember me for doing this than say, "I remember, he used to play Golden State and he was from Oakland. This is more important to me."

Of Mexican descent, Toscano-Anderson is proud of his roots. He marches out of his own conviction on the streets of his native Oakland, supporting the “Black Lives Matter” movement . The crowd united for the same cause.

The 27-year-old forward's numbers with the Golden State Warriors team of 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and a 46% shooting percentage from the field leave him with an unforgettable experience after thirteen games in the regular season. That same semblance of pride grows even more when he takes the megaphone and raises his voice to protest the police brutality in recent days.

“I am half black, half Mexican, but I am a black person. It is about humanity, doing things well, so thank you for being here to do the right thing ”, were the words of welcome to those who attended the invitation on social networks in the Californian city.

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In his first campaign within the Association, the national team was the penultimate place of the team on the payroll with his salary of $ 350,000 . Far from the 40 million that Stephen Curry received , or the 32 of Klay Thompson . On a game day, that pair is the one that normally receives the ball from Toscano. On this occasion, the "Splash Brothers" attended the Mexican during the protest, along with Kevon Looney, Damion Lee and Marquese Chriss .

Juan leading the movement and with the command voice, as if he were Steve Kerr himself in a team training session or Stephen Curry in a developing offensive play. That social leadership that few can show is seen naturally, as this is his home and defending his own.

“Seeing Steph (Curry), Klay (Thompson), Kevon (Looney) and Damion (Lee) out there was a big thing for me,” the Oakland native details. “They gave me a different confidence, and now I know that when I walk in the dressing room it will now be a different bond. I would run through a wall for them, I know they cover my back and that of my community. I'd run through a wall for them, any day. "

As a Mexican American , Toscano-Anderson represents the values he grew up with in the Bay Area in the state of California . He lives the dream of playing for the team he supported since his childhood, and that same one had his old arena a couple of streets away from his grandparents' house. The community and basketball are everything to him.

“They didn't have the luxury of growing up in a city like Oakland; a diverse city ”, the 27-year-old forward continues in his speech. “We build different. They did not grow up with that luxury. And all of you who are from Oakland need to remember that this is a luxury, growing up in a place like. This city is different, this city raises people like you. They should be proud of that, making a difference, spreading knowledge, sharing the message on my behalf and on behalf of my brothers. Thank you".

Not a lead from an average of 25 points per game, or from a salary of 20 million per year, or from so many All-Star appearances. Beyond the thirteen games and six starts in his first year, Golden State's # 95 number had a message that helped him to be heard. Respect in the locker room is earned for next season. The rest will depend on him.

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