On Thursday morning, the NBA officially announced its entertainment plans for the 2018 All-Star Game, which is scheduled to be played inside the Staples Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. Several popular celebrities headline the list of speakers and performers, including comedian Kevin Hart, Fergie, and Pharrell.
Via Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report:
“Hip hop singer Fergie will sing the United States national anthem, and rock band Barenaked Ladies will perform the Canadian national anthem. Comedian Kevin Hart will headline the player introductions, with Pharrell Williams' N.E.R.D set to perform at halftime.”
As most hoops fans know, Hart is a past-participant in the NBA's Celebrity All-Star Game. In fact, he's a four-time MVP of the event. However, the actor has since retired from the game.
“I’m officially retired from the Celebrity All-Star Game,” Hart said in 2015. “I can’t do it anymore, I’ve done all there is to do, my kids are happy, they feel like their dad went out on top. I think if I go back it’s only going to get worse, I can’t go down, I can only go up, and I left with a bang. I did what all the greats say you should do.”
“I'm the greatest celebrity basketball player of all time.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=274eqLyoK4c
According to the NBA's release, Hart, along with several “special guests,” will introduce the players before the start of the 67th All-Star Game, which should make for a jovial scene.
Starters and team captains for the 2018 All-Star Game will be announced Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. on TNT. For a full schedule of events for this season's All-Star Game, head over to this link from NBA.com.