On Friday, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong" -- a show of support for protestors in Hong Kong fighting for democracy under the city’s “one country, two systems” deal.

That tweet set off a firestorm in the NBA community, since the league has made major in-roads with China in recent years, especially since Yao Ming played for the Rockets. The league itself released a series of statements attempting to deal with Morey’s since-deleted tweet, and both players and coaches have been asked for their reaction to the controversy.

On Thursday, following Celtics practice in Orlando, Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens was asked for his thoughts on the situation.

“I appreciate the league and the league’s support of people’s right to express themselves, and I appreciate the leadership that Adam Silver provides all the time," Stevens said.

Stevens certainly is not the first coach to gently back away from the situation. Most notable was Steve Kerr, who has spoken out about political moments frequently in the past. Kerr told reporters on Monday he wanted to read more about the situation before making an in-depth public comment -- a sentiment which drew quick criticism for its lack of substance.

Silver’s press conference scheduled on Thursday in China was canceled.