Much has been made about the NBA's plans to push through with this year's edition of the All-Star game in Atlanta, with more than a few personalities within the league broadcasting their stance against the festivities. In spite of the criticism, however, the NBA continues to plan for the upcoming event, with new details of the schedule recently revealed.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, an entire weekend's festivities will be compressed in a single day:
The NBA plans to hold the 3-point competition and Skills Challenge in pregame of the March 7 All-Star Game in Atlanta, and the Dunk Contest at halftime of game, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 15, 2021
This makes a lot of sense. In previous years, the various events of the All-Star weekend were spread out through three days. However, in light of the pandemic, the league has decided to take this unprecedented approach — which is actually the rational thing to do.
Nevertheless, there is still a fair amount of players and personalities around the league who firmly believe that there should be no All-Star game in the first place. The league has been very stringent with its health and safety protocols throughout the season, and holding an All-Star event — which in reality has no effect on the season whatsoever — will only increase the exposure of those involved. In a way, it does sound counterproductive towards the league's efforts to quell the spread of the virus.
Be that as it may, it now appears that there's no more turning back for the NBA. The preparations are now in full swing, and we should all be treated to an All-Star game (as well as the other All-Star weekend events) come March 7.
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