By ANTHONY PICINICH
The National Basketball Association is not letting the Covid-19 pandemic ruin the 70th NBA All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. NBA commissioner Adam Silver is powering through concerns from players and fans who are questioning whether the game should be played.
Many higher-ups, like Commissioner Adam Silver, in the NBA believe that the playing of the All-Star Game is very important. The game has only been cancelled once, due to a lockout in 1999, since the inception of the game in 1951. But there has never been a year like this before. There has never been a global pandemic that is leaving arenas empty, without fans around the league. Even with the league bending over backwards to make the game work, the question of “Why?” is still at the forefront.
“This All-Star Game was kind of forced and thrown upon us,” said Brooklyn Nets’ superstar James Harden.
Changes to the Events
The NBA All-Star Game has undergone a slew of changes in recent years, but this one will be unlike any prior game. The entire weekend is, usually, a show for the fans, but this year none will be admitted into the game. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has encouraged fans not to travel to the city for event.
Under normal circumstances we’d be grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this isn’t a typical year. I’ve shared my concerns w/ @NBA & @ATLHawks & agree this is a made-for-TV event only & people shouldn’t travel to Atlanta to party.https://t.co/Bql0nMGExZ
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) February 16, 2021
The NBA has also announced changes to the format of the events that are usually hosted over multiple days during All-Star weekend. This led to the league scrapping the annual Rising Stars game that showcases young players in their rookie or sophomore seasons. Although there will be no game, the league announced on March 3 who was selected to the Rising Stars roster.
The other major change is moving the dunk contest, 3-point contest, and skills competition that usually takes place the day before the All-Star Game. Instead, the 3-point contest and skills competition will be held prior to the game and the dunk contest will be held during halftime of the game.
Player Opinion
Players have mixed opinions hosting an All-Star Game during a pandemic. One of the most vocal players against the game in Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar LeBron James. In a year with a shortened offseason and condensed schedule, the 36-year-old is not a fan of having to a meaningless game in an empty arena.
“Zero energy and zero interest”@KingJames on playing in the All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/yrVi6oedkF
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 5, 2021
Other players around the NBA shared the same thoughts as James. Sacramento Kings’ star De’Aaron Fox did not sugarcoat his feelings on the All-Star Game earlier in the month during a press conference. “If I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,” said Fox.
Fox also understands why the NBA would bring back the game. “Money makes the world go round,” said Fox while also stating that he would play in the game if he was voted in because of the potential fine from the league if he did not.
The 2021 all-star roster was released in February for team captains Kevin Durant and LeBron James to choose from at the NBA All-Star Draft on March 4. While some players have announced they will not be playing in the game due to injury, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons will be held out of the game due to Covid-19 precautions.
Fan Perspective
The NBA All-Star Game has had multiple struggles lately. In recent years, fans have been turned off by the event that is made almost exclusively for them. According to Sports Media Watch, the NBA All-Star Game viewership has not eclipsed more than 10 million viewers since 2003.
Philadelphia 76ers fan Erik Johnsen, 21, is among the growing group of basketball fans that are growing tired of the All-Star Game. Johnsen believes that the lack of entertainment in the exhibition game is the reason for the dip in popularity.
[AUDIO: Erik Johnsen discusses Lack of All-Star Game Interest]
Johnsen does understand Silver’s push for the All-Star Game and keeping with tradition but sees little point to hosting the game without fans in the stands. “It’s tough right now,” said Johnsen, “The NBA makes a lot of the money from this off of ticket sales and without ticket sales then it’s hard to see where that All-Star Game revenue is coming from.”
He also believes the league could have gotten a little more creative with when they host the game. “Have the game towards the end of the year like the National Football League does with the Pro Bowl,” said Johnsen, “Right before the NBA finals in the Summer when fans might be allowed in.”
The decision to play the All-Star Game in an empty arena and rely on higher viewership leaves player and fans shaking their heads.
Adding the context of how rare it is to cancel a game really gave the story a nice touch. Very well sourced info with a great intro. It was very informative but entertaining to read the opinions of superstars around the league as well. Nice article!
This is an interesting story because it’s such an odd position for a sports league to be in. The strongest part of the story is how you have both sides of why it’s pointless to have the game versus why it isn’t pointless. But, it’d be interesting to hear more about the penalties of not playing in the game when elected to.