As expected, the NBA and players association have agreed to hold an All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. But not everyone approves.
“I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,” Kings guard De’Aaron Fox told reporters. “If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game, what’s the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?”
Fox added that he would indeed play if voted in, but only because he would feel forced.
“You know you get fined if you’re supposed to be in it and you’re not hurt and decide not to play? That’s a hefty fine so hell yeah I would play in it,” he said. “I hope I don’t fined for saying that.”
The NBA has been forced to postpone more than 20 regular-season games since tipping off in late December.
At any rate, an All-Star Game will apparently go on, and while it won’t be an entire weekend, it will reportedly include a skills competition, followed by the game.
This year’s All-Star festivities were originally set for Indiana, but that was postponed before the season started. Indiana is now scheduled to host the game in 2024. Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will host in 2022.
The NBA schedule consists of a break from March 5-10, allowing the league to slide in an All-Star Game. Atlanta was likely chosen as the host site because that is where Turner Sports is located. Turner/TNT holds broadcast rights.
