Adam Silver: Fan Engagement ‘Largest Factor’ In 2021 All-Star Game Decision
Adam Silver, NBA
Mark J. Terrill-AP Photo

The NBA has been greatly criticized for their U-turn regarding this year’s All-Star Game, deciding to hold the event in Atlanta on March 7 after having already taken it away from Indianapolis, the initial host.

The league’s best players, such as the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard joined L.A. Lakers star LeBron James in speaking out against the plans, saying the players should get the much-needed break at the halfway point of the 2020-21 season.

But NBA All-Star 2021 is going ahead and will even feature player competitions on a single night that are usually organized throughout the weekend. NBA commissioner Adam Silver admitted finances were a factor in making the decision but not as big as fan interest, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:

“It’s the largest factor, the amount of engagement we get from our fans around All-Star,” Silver said. “Historically, in the modern digital age, we have roughly 100 million people vote for our All-Stars, and we came out about the same this year even with a shortened voting period.”

In the lead-up to the 2021 All-Star Game, captains for both conferences will compile their rosters in a two-round draft on March 4. James and his Eastern Conference counterpart Kevin Durant (who will miss the All-Star Game due to injury) will select players from the pool of starters and reserve players determined by fans, players and coaches.

The Utah Jazz’s Quin Snyder will coach the Western Conference’s team; the Philadelphia 76ers’ Doc Rivers will lead the East.

Devin Booker replaces Anthony Davis in All-Star Game

Silver named Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker as the injury replacement for the Lakers’ Anthony Davis.

Booker has earned his second straight selection; Suns teammate Chris Paul will join the 24-year-old guard marking the first time Phoenix has multiple All-Stars in the same season since 2009-10.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Video: Warner Bros. Releases First ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ Trailer Featuring LeBron James

After months of teasing and pushing the fans’ patience to the limits, Warner Bros. Pictures has finally dropped the first…

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Gives Insight Into How He Will Handle Training Camp & Preseason

The 2021-22 NBA season officially got underway on Wednesday for the Los Angeles Lakers as they held their first practice…

Lakers News: Darvin Ham Plans To Continue Starting Dennis Schroder & D’Angelo Russell Together

In bringing in D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley at this year’s trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers added multiple…

Lakers To Close Out Las Vegas Summer League Against Warriors On Tuesday Afternoon

The Las Vegas Summer League has quickly come and gone as this year’s season was shortened to just four regular-season games…