New York Knicks forward Kevin Seraphin, who is from French Guiana and has family in France, carved “Paris” in his haircut as a tribute to those impacted by the terror attacks in France.
French native @kevin_seraphin showing support after the tragedy in Paris. pic.twitter.com/9Q00mdP0WA
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 15, 2015Seraphin said he got the haircut on Sunday morning before the Knicks-Pelicans game.
"I just wanted to do something creative and something different. Not just put something on my shoes or anything (and) I didn’t have time to make a tattoo," he said.
A few hours later, Seraphin played a key role for the Knicks in their win over New Orleans.
He had 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 14 second-half minutes for New York.
Aferward, Seraphin dedicated the win to the victims of the attacks.
Knicks coach Derek Fisher commended Seraphin for his focus on the court during a difficult time.
"It obviously meant a lot to him and he was impacted by it," Fisher said of Seraphin, who'd averaged just five minutes per game over the past five games. "I think that says (something) about who he is, the fact that he could go out and still have a good performance today."
Seraphin, who spends time in France each summer, shared his thoughts on the attacks after Friday's game.
“The crazy thing about, there’s nothing you can do about it. You cannot really stop these people,” he said. “It can happen everywhere and anywhere.”
Before Sunday’s game against New Orleans, the Knicks played the French national anthem to honor those impacted by the Paris attacks. Both Seraphin and Alexis Ajinca, who is also from France, could be seen mouthing the words to the song.
"I had goose-bumps," Seraphin said. "I wanted to cry but the camera was (there) so I was like, I can’t do that."
In addition to Seraphin's tribute, Knicks forward Lou Amundson wore a French braid in honor of the victims of the Paris attacks. He said his girlfriend, who is Parisian, helped him with the braid prior to the game.
"It's a small thing to do to show solidarity," the veteran forward said.
