Controversy surrounds NBA All-Star Game

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On March 7th, the NBA will be holding their annual All Star game in Atlanta, Georgia. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00pm (Eastern standard time).

That is if the game actually happens.There has been multiple sources saying that the players don’t want to play the game because of the health risks that involve playing the game.

Arguably the best player in the league, LeBron James has shown his concern about the game saying having the game is a “slap in the face.” There also have been other players that have shown concern about the game being played. Kawhi Leonard, arguably a Top 3 player in the league who is typically very reserved, has spoken out against the game as well.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek sensation and the reigning NBA MVP, has said there was “no excitement” to play on Twitter.

 

 

Some fans see this debate and argue there is no reason to play the game if so many high caliber players don’t want to play.

Well there’s a reasonable argument to be made on why the game should be played, even with all the backlash that has occurred: the NBA needs to make money.

The NBA lost 8.3 billion dollars in the 2019-20 season alone. That season was shortened due to COVID-19 and they lost 8.3 billion dollars.

This season the NBA has allowed limited attendance in some places, and in most cities there are no fans. So it’s safe to say that the NBA lost the same amount if not more money than in the 2019-20 season. The NBA is really depending on at least one money maker this season.

That is also one of the reasons why the NBA picked the city of Atlanta because the city allows fans in the stands: there are also no travel restrictions in the state meaning that the players would be able to come and go as they please. This location puts the players at a very high risk since anybody can go into the state.

The reason the NBA wants to play so bad is because they want money, and it seems like they are willing to put their players at risk to achieve that goal of theirs.

HHS basketball fans are just waiting to see if it happens at all, including seniors Benjamin Costa and Matt Littlefield, who both think the game will end up happening.

“I don’t really have much interest in watching though,” said Littlefield.

If the game does go on, coverage of the NBA All-Star Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with AT&T Slam Dunk taking place at halftime, on TNT.