Pop's comments was simply deflecting the issue and this seems to be the talking points given out to the NBA players and coaches. Talk only about what Adam Silver's position on freedom of speech. There was nothing about condemning the Chinese government or their actions. It was reported this morning that some fans showed up to support the Lakers but they hid their faces once the cameras panned in their direction. That should tell you a lot about the regime.
Also, I could care less about what Pop or Steve Kerr thinks about America but if you are going to be so demonstrative on positions that a large portion of the US population disagrees with and call them ignorant and racist, then you can expect some blow back when they see the hypocrisy in this situation.
The only blow back is from people who were already critical of Pop