Kings guard De’Aaron Fox is opposed to the NBA holding an All-Star Game this season, giving an honest assessment of the situation after Sacramento defeated Boston 116-111 on Wednesday night.
“If I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,” Fox said, as relayed by Sean Cunningham of ABC 10. “If we have to wear masks and do all of this for a regular game, what’s the point in bringing the All-Star Game back? Obviously, money makes the world go round, so it is what it is. I’m not really worried about it. If I’m voted (in), so be it.”
The pandemic has forced the NBA to postpone 23 games so far this season, as shown in our 2020/21 Game Postponement Tracker. The league announced 16 positive tests on January 13, 11 positive tests on January 20, one positive test the following week, and zero positive tests on Wednesday.
Fox, 23, is averaging a career-high 22.3 points, 6.6 assists and 32.6 minutes per game this season, making him a candidate to become a first-time All-Star. When asked whether he’d play in the game, Fox made it clear there wouldn’t be much of a choice.
“If you’re supposed to be in it, you’re not hurt and you decide not to play, that’s a hefty fine,” Fox said while laughing. “So hell yeah I would play in it.”
The All-Star Game is set to be held in Atlanta on Sunday, March 7, with additional details forthcoming. There has been some chatter that the league won’t make participation mandatory for the players chosen as All-Stars this time around.
Agree De’Aaron !
League could still use the break for some cool events just let the players Go home for a minute and relax!!!
Celebrity games, best women games (Dianna and Co), 3-3 (Big 3?) ,seniors 3 pt contest, amatuere youtubers dunk contest……. City games NY vs CHI (Oh yea) …….TNT crew pickup game, Ernie has to play!!! !! yes yes yes sign me up
Don’t forget the blindfolded skills challenge and the annual “dunk” tank
Hey why Not !?! As long as they are non NBA players!
Basketball is a normal peoples game worldwide, lets just show regular people playing the sport they love
Watching NYC vs CHI under 18 finest would probably be better than any real AS game
@Cap & Crunch – 100% on board with your idea here, but starting in 2022.
I like the Big 3 idea
Amen! Is he the only one thinking clearly here? The All Star game is an exhibition that less and less people care about. To risk regular season games for an exhibition is dumb.
Lol the NBA season is an Exhibition
Not sure how the NBA could argue with his take. They will find a way I’m sure.
While this year is an exception, it breaks my heart a little that people are so down on the all star game. Unlike the pro bowl we get to watch the actual stars go out there and have a good time. Its basketball. And yet everyone seems in such a rush to talk about how they think it’s stupid and don’t watch.
Why not take the negative time and energy you spent drafting up that comment to think of some alternatives? What do you want to see instead? If you really love the sport, why cheer on its demise?
It’s the same thing when people say the regular season doesn’t matter, they only watch the playoffs. Why not just play 1 championship game each year then? Why not stop playing all together if it’s so boring you can’t watch.
Lowkey sad and sus smdh :(
You didn’t mention COVID once so obviously you don’t understand the situation. It’s like a slap in the face to these players to say they can’t shake hands or swap jerseys after 48 minutes of sweating and breathing on each other but expect them to play an extra game that wasn’t on the schedule so that the league can make more money. It’s lowkey sus that you want them to play and risk their health so the league owners can put even more money in their pockets.
I did. I said “this year is an exception”, meaning because of covid. Most comments say “they don’t watch anyway” meaning in normal years. That’s what I’m referring to.
You’re right I totally overlooked the literal first sentence of your comment, that’s my bad. In that case I do agree with you, the NBA All-star game has been way more entertaining and competitive than the Pro Bowl or the MLB All-Star Weekend. I do love the idea and agree with you on continuing to have All-Star Weekend any other year. I sincerely apologize lol
I like the All Star game, well the whole weekend really not so much the actual game but this is all about Covid here nothing more nothing less
Normal times keep it all normal but these guys could use some home time……a lot of them are probably heading for a prolonged bubble at some point later this year after just turning around from one.
I agree, this year it doesn’t really make sense. If the players union wants it though, that’s their decision.
I watch at least some part of a basketball game 5 nights a week, but I haven’t even thought about watching an all-star game in over a decade. I mean I used to think it was cool. When I was like 12 or so. But when I was 12, but I also remember really liking Walker Texas Ranger. I would rather watch the Wolves play the Cavs than an all-star game.
@curtis this would be like if xzibit came to you and said we heard you like basketball so we put some basketball on your basketball with only the best players and you said no, I dont like basketball I like television karate from the 90s.
My heart breaks…
You can love movies and hate soap operas, even if both are moving pictures. When you remove competitiveness from professional sport, you are usually left with a forgettable show. I like the contests, but I would just get rid of the AS game, as I can’t really think of a way to fix it. It’s OK that the stars get some fun. It’s just no fun to me.
Honestly….I care about who gets voted to the teams, but the game itself is dumb, boring and pointless. I think most the players feel that way too. They want to be voted to AS team but could care less about actually playing the game itself.
Pretty much true for every pro sports “all star game” or similar event.
Strongly agreed, its an exhibition game and completely worthless under these conditions. If anything it should always be played after the finals, not midseason.
NBA did a dumb thing and hopefully it will get cancelled.
Agree; also said a week ago play either after finals or Weekend before finals (Just sans players that made finals as I dont think theyd play anyways)
No one is going to tune in to an All Star Game once the season has ended, nor will players be interested in showing up.
Imagine Steph Curry already playing golf for 2 months, then he has to go play 15 minutes in an all star game? Having it during a break in the middle of the season is where it belongs. Yes, this year is an exception.
Dont mess with Stephs golf game man, thats shiz is legit FR
JD left out the funniest part of the quote. Fox ended by saying “I hope I don’t get fined for saying that sh*t”
wonder if he will get fined for speaking out.
hes 100% correct.
also players are fined for saying no i don’t want to?
f that. id say no cause covid I’m not missing games for my team just to play a meaningless game. and fight the fine tooth and nail
I’m sure it’s fine
I can always watch NBA players play. The all star gm is an event. It’s not just the gm. It’s the whole production. It showcases the sports talents in a showcase style. It’s entertaining to me. I love this game. So I will always find the good in it. Plus the history and glory.
Saying that this yr it wouldn’t bother me not to have it. They should name the all stars for the season. Considering the times I’m good with skipping the event. I’m sure they will enjoy time with family.
Don’t worry Fox… The west is loaded,so you won’t make it….
Too true, too true!!!
fox is great best thing to happen to sac in a while
The all star game generally sucks anyway on a normal year. No D, just run and gun does nothing for me. This year it is stupid to even try it, when you look at regular games getting canceled on a weekly basis.
Look at the big brain on Fox!
Fox is a young man that clearly lacks the courage of his own convictions!
It is clear for all to see how wrong he is, but if you are gonna have such a strong opinion on something, at least stick up for it, dude, right?
What if they give you a hefty fine, what do you care?
Aren’t you made of $$$ anyway, pay the fine, stand up for your believes, mon!
If not just sit down & shut up!!!
I don’t feel like working that day either.