Former Jazzman Ricky Rubio Joins Donovan Mitchell In Wearing Social Justice D.O.N Shoes

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah Jazz and current Phoenix Suns guard Ricky Rubio joined Donovan Mitchell in wearing a special colorway of the Jazzman’s signature Adidas D.O.N Issue #2 shoes to support social justice.

Rubio sported Mitchell’s signature kicks during Phoenix’s 125-112 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday, July 31. It was Rubio and the Suns’ first game of the NBA restart of the 2019-20 season.

During the game, Rubio wore the same colorway that Mitchell wore during Utah’s game on July 30.

Mitchell’s social justice shoes were black, gold, and white and featured the phrases “Ready For Change” and “Say Their Names.”

Donovan's shoes tonight 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/ThVbY9Dixi

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) July 30, 2020

A day after the game, Rubio posted a photo of the shoes in his locker as well as a snapshot of him in a Suns jersey from the night before. Rubio chose to replace his last name on the back of his jersey with the word “Justice.”

The former Jazz guard shared a message alongside the photos.

“We are not just here to play basketball, we feel like something has to be done and it’s time. It’s been far too long and I stand right next to my teammates and the whole league to use this platform to bring awareness and come up with ideas and solutions,” Rubio posted. “The @nba and @thenbpa have been phenomenal in giving us all the information we need to understand the problems and educate us to stop injustice. I know there are a lot of issues that have to be addressed and I respect all opinions but we gotta start with some of them and do something about it. We have to fight for a better world and stand up for what is wrong. #Justice #ReadyForChange.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Aug 1, 2020 at 7:11am PDT

Donovan Mitchell’s D.O.N Issue #2 Social Justice Colorway

On Thursday, July 30, Mitchell and the Jazz play in the first game of the league’s restart and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 106-104.

Minutes before the start of the game, both teams stepped on the court wearing shirts that featured the phrase “Black Lives Matter.”

During the pregame national anthem, players and coaches from the Jazz and Pelicans kneeled on the court next to a “Black Lives Matter” floor decal. NBA officials for the contest joined the teams in kneeling.

Mitchell also took the opportunity to use his platform in the league’s first game back by wearing the special colorway of the new edition of his signature Adidas shoes, D.O.N Issue #2 during the first half.

EXCLUSIVE: Donovan Mitchell explains why he chose “Say Her Name” for his jersey message. @spidadmitchell and the @utahjazz will play in the NBA’s 1st restart game tonight.#WholeNewGame #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/htAN2p9z9k

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 30, 2020

The Jazz guard also chose to replace his last name on the back of his jersey with the phrase “Say Her Name” in honor of Breonna Taylor.

Taylor was a 26-year-old woman, who was Black and fatally shot by Louisville Metro Police officers in her apartment on March 13.

Mitchell attended college at Louisville.