By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Due to the NBA’s shortened season, the 2021 All-Star Game, which was originally scheduled for early February was scrapped before the season. However, the league is still looking at ways to hold an All-Star event.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the league and NBPA are “progressing toward an agreement” for a single-night All-Star event. March 7 is the date currently on the table – the NBA had already planned a mid-season break from March 5 to March 10.
Both sides should have strong motivation to (safely) hold any kind of All-Star event this year. The NBA and Players’ Association split all basketball revenue 50/50, and the game would help recoup money lost from having fewer regular season games.
Whereas the normal All-Star weekend is a multi-day event with the skills competition, dunk contest, celebrity game, and the All-Star game itself, Woj is reporting that the goal is to fit as many of those events into one night as possible. Players would fly in the night before the game, and fly out immediately after.
There are still some roadblocks to get through, including health and safety protocols. The All-Star Game is usually mandatory, but as with the season itself, it’s expected players will be able to opt out.
As for the location, the current agreement has the game being held in Atlanta, which may draw the attention of one specific Celtic. Jaylen Brown is having a career year, averaging 27 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. If he’s voted in this year, Brown would play in his first career All-Star game in his hometown.
Voting for the All-Star game is already open, here.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
