While nothing appears finalized, the NBA could hold an All-Star Weekend, after all.
As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the league and players’ union is discussing the possibility of an All-Star Game in early March, with Atlanta serving as the most likely site.
The 2021 All-Star Weekend was originally scheduled for Indianapolis, but the league cancelled it amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Indiana is expected to host the event in the coming seasons.
Cleveland is scheduled to host next year’s All-Star Weekend.
For now, the league is talking with the union about the possibility of holding the game March 7. Atlanta may make the most sense, as Woj relayed, because it is the home of Turner Sports, which holds broadcast rights to All-Star Weekend.
“NBPA president Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns has been a proponent of the idea, which would allow for a game to financially benefit historically Black colleges and universities and COVID-19 relief,” Wojnaorwski wrote.
All-Star voting will take place regardless of whether a game is held, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
The NBA’s midseason break is scheduled for March 5-10, so sliding in an All-Star Game during that break could be a possibility.