Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan is proud to finally be able to host the All-Star Game in his city, having navigated plenty of complications in efforts to bring the mid-February festivities to The Queen City for the first time since 1991.
To make it that much sweeter, his point guard; Kemba Walker, will be a starter in this year's iteration of the All-Star Game, taking center stage in historic fashion and likely to be the last player in Team Giannis introduced in front of the home crowd.
“I always perceived Kemba as an All-Star,” said Jordan of his talisman player, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
Kemba Walker is in his third straight All-Star selection. Perhaps the most notable of the three after being selected as an injury replacement last season.
The All-Star Game was initially awarded to Charlotte for 2017, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver quickly took away that right after the “bathroom bill” in North Carolina singled out transgender people and limited local LGBT anti-discrimination protections.
The state made strides with House Bill 2, which partially repealed the law, but not to Silver's satisfaction. The alteration did “not mean the fundamental issues are resolved,” Silver said in 2017 about the replacement law, according to Gary Roberson of The Associated Press.
House Bill 186 finally repealed the former “bathroom bill” to its full extent, which allowed for Silver to green light the event for 2019.
“I can't be more proud with how the city has responded, the team has responded…to finally bring this game here,” said Jordan, who expressed “we still have a lot of work to do” as far as making Charlotte as proud of the Hornets, as he aspires fans to be.”
The inclusion of this game will play a role into fans becoming more familiar with the Spectrum Center and tourists with the hospitality of the city. The goal will also extend into locals taking part in the All-Star Weekend experience, something Jordan hopes translates into more season-ticket holders with Walker at the forefront or this roster.
Follow Us
Subscribe