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According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, the NBA and NBPA have agreed to hold the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta on March 7.
The NBA and NBPA have agreed to host the All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sides are finalizing details of the plan as soon as Thursday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2021
Although Indianapolis was supposed to host the league’s annual midseason extravaganza in 2021, the NBA deferred their hosting responsibilities to 2024 after canceling the event in November.
ESPN Senior Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports that individuals competing in the All-Star Game would still be subject to standard COVID testing protocols and fly privately to and from Atlanta to limit any exposure.
Despite extensive safety measures and a potential opt-out clause, several players and executives remain skeptical of green-lighting this exhibition amid the ongoing pandemic and see it as an unnecessary risk.
A brutally honest De'Aaron Fox said having an NBA All-Star game this season is "kind of stupid" because of all the daily protocols that are in place for teams. Said he understands it's all about money and he'd play if voted in strictly because the fine for not playing is huge
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 4, 2021
DeMar DeRozan appears to be San Antonio’s top candidate for an All-Star appearance. But with how cautiously the Spurs approach player security, it might be safe to assume the organization will refrain from sending anyone regardless if they earn a representative.