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The Milwaukee Bucks star shares LeBron James’ feelings about the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
This NBA season outside of the Orlando bubble, the league has postponed a total of 24 games (as of this writing) due to COVID-19 health and safety protocol. Taking that into consideration, many were puzzled that the league and players union agreed to go through with an All-Star Game in Atlanta on March 7 … in the middle of a pandemic.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was outspoken about the decision, saying he had “no energy” and “no excitement” for the All-Star Game.
As it turns out, Milwaukee Bucks forward and back-to-back NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo shared LeBron’s sentiment.
Giannis would like the break
James and Antetokounmpo stressed one thing in their opinions, and that’s that they were looking forward to their mid-season break. When negotiating for this season, the league and players association agreed upon a March 5-10 break to make up for their rather short offseason. Now, an All-Star Game has been added smack-dab in the middle of it. Much like James, Antetokounmpo said he would still participate if he’s voted in.
The NBA is the only league to hold a physical All-Star Game ever since the pandemic hit North America. MLB canceled their 2020 All-Star Game altogether, and the NFL turned the Pro Bowl into a virtual celebration and Madden NFL competition. The NHL postponed their All-Star Game until 2022.
Other players have had similar beliefs as James and Antetokounmpo. LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard said the NBA’s decision to hold the event was putting “money over health.” Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox said going through with an All-Star Game was “stupid.”
Even with some of the league’s biggest stars being vocal in their displeasure about the event, the NBA All-Star Game appears destined to take place on March 7 regardless.