The NBA All-Star Game may be happening after all in 2021.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that the NBA and NBPA are working toward an agreement to set up an All-Star game at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on March 7.
Story filed to ESPN: The NBA and NBPA are progressing toward an agreement for an All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, a single-night event that would encompass an Eastern vs. Western Conference game and skills competitions, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 2, 2021
The original plan for the all-star game was for it to be held in Indianapolis on February 14.
Unfortunately, that plan was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Indianapolis instead will get the hosting honors in 2024.
While the NBA All-Star Game has demanded participation, there will be discussions about an opt-out option similar to the one in the Orlando bubble last season.
With the current plan for the all-star game, the festivities would be cut down and condensed.
The reason for that would be player health and safety since this would still be happening during a major pandemic.
There would be an emphasized focus on getting players in and out of Atlanta safely and quickly.
With few fans in attendance, many of the regular events won’t be held since there will be few, if any, fans in attendance.
The NBA and NBPA are considering adding a skills competition to the All-Star festivities.
Marc Stein of the New York Times reported on Monday that the dunk contest and 3-point shootout could be part of that.
The 2021 NBA All-Star Game has already had voting open for fans to vote in their favorite players.