The NBA All-Star Game could finally take place in 2021.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that the NBA and NBPA are working towards an agreement to set up an all-star game at the Atlanta State Farm Arena on March 7th.
Story Filed on ESPN: The NBA and NBPA are seeking an agreement for an all-star game on March 7th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta Tell ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 2, 2021
The original plan for the All-Star game was for it to take place in Indianapolis on February 14th.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan has been abandoned and Indianapolis will receive the Hosting Award instead in 2024.
While the NBA All-Star Game has called for participation, there will be discussions about an opt-out option similar to that in the Orlando bubble last season.
With the current plan for the all-star game, the celebrations would be reduced and condensed.
The reason for this would be the health and safety of the players as it would still happen during a major pandemic.
There would be an emphasis on getting players to and from Atlanta safely and quickly.
With only a few fans in attendance, many of the regular events will not take place as few, if any, fans will be in attendance.
The NBA and NBPA are considering adding a skills contest to the All-Star Celebrations.
Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Monday that the dunk contest and 3-point shootout could be part of it.
The 2021 NBA All-Star Game already had an open voting for fans to vote on their favorite players.