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NBPA chief David Kelly says the National Basketball Players Association will not hesitate to publicly challenge the NBA when necessary.

Kelly officially became executive director on July 1 after serving as the union’s choice to replace interim leader Andre Iguodala.

Under his leadership, the NBPA has already taken stronger public positions on issues including the NBA’s 65-game rule and the Milwaukee Bucks’ handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade request.

Although Kelly prefers resolving disagreements privately, he said the union is prepared to become more confrontational when needed.

“I think you have to be willing to fight,” said Kelly. “Will we look for ways to partner with the league? Yes. Do we need the league? Yes. Does the league need the players?

“Yes. Does sometimes the league maybe forget that they need the players? Yes. In those instances, we’ll have to fight.”

Union president Fred VanVleet said preparations for the next collective bargaining agreement have already begun.

“We’re getting ready for the next CBA,” said VanVleet. “Like today.”

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