New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans wear yellow socks in support of Ukraine

If you watched the Pelicans face off with the Kings on Wednesday night, you may have noticed a small uniform oddity — but it's no wardrobe malfunction.

The entire New Orleans team wore yellow socks, a decision made to show support for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion of their country. The connection was reported shortly before tip-off.

No further statement was given during the game. It's worth pointing out that the Kings' roster features Alex Len, one of the league's two Ukrainian players. Len and the Raptors' Svi Mykhailiuk, the only other Ukranian in the NBA, put out a joint statement after the beginning of the invasion condemning Russia's actions.

Last week, Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas expressed his support for the Ukrainian people, saying in part "War has to stop." Valanciunas is from Lithuania, which is located not far north from Ukraine and borders part of Russia.

“First of all, I want to say my heart and prayers go to the Ukraine people, who are innocent,” Valanciunas said Friday. “People who are suffering, dying and losing their loved ones. Men who are defending their country.”

“War is not a solution,” Valanciunas added. “War has to stop.”

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