The All-Star game is one of the best events of the year in the NBA world. It is a chance to see some of the most talented players in the world play together, and it is usually a very fun event. However this year, due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, there are players who have questioned the point of having an All-Star game at all.
Notable stars like De’Aaron Fox and LeBron James have stated their displeasure with the possibility of an All-Star game this season. It makes sense, as the league has instated COVID-19 protocols to try and maintain safety, yet the All-Star game would put a lot of players from different teams into the same place, all at the same time.
DeAaron Fox on having an All-Star game this season: “I’ll be brutally honest – I think it’s stupid. If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game, what’s the point of bringing the ASG back?”
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 4, 2021
LeBron James just said he has "zero energy and zero interest" in an All-Star Game this year and calls it "a slap in the face" after league said it wasn't going to have one. "I don't even know why we're having an All-Star game," he said.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 5, 2021
One of the people who support the players in speaking out against the All-Star game is former player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins. Perkins is in support of players being hesitant due to a variety of factors that would make an All-Star game difficult from the players’ end. He does suggest offering some sort of bonus money to the players for them to play.
I’m not mad at any player speaking out against the All-Star game! Covid, a short season after a bubble.. the only way it makes sense is if they give all participants a nice bonus. Straight cash! Carry on..
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 5, 2021
Hopefully, the league will address the players’ concerns soon. The All-Star game would be fun for fans, but it does present some challenges for the players. Hopefully, Adam Silver and the league leaders can come to a resolution sooner rather than later.
