The day after LeBron James criticized the NBA’s decision to try an All-Star Game this season amid the coronavirus pandemic, the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo echoed James’ feelings, saying he saw no reason for an All-Star game without fans.
“Big Dog (LeBron James) says it has zero excitement, zero energy for the All-Star Game. I am just the same,” said Antetokounmpo on Friday. “I really don’t care about the Star Game right now. I have zero energy, zero enthusiasm.”
The Milwaukee Bucks striker becomes the last player to criticize the All-Star Game, following James, who spoke on Thursday, and Sacramento guard Kings De’Aaron Fox, who said that having an All-Star Game this season was “kind of stupid” during the pandemic.
“I don’t even know why we’re having an All-Star game,” said James after the Lakers’ 114-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.
James continued, calling it “almost a slap in the face” after the NBA decided there would be no game. Despite concerns about the coronavirus, the NBA and NBAPA reached an agreement this week to conduct the All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Antetokounmpo said that if necessary, he would attend the game because it is his job.
“I’m always doing my job. I’m always showing up, setting the right example,” said Antetokounmpo. “But at the end of the day, deep down, I don’t want to do that. I want to take a break.”
After the LA Clippers loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, Kawhi Leonard went straight to the point of the All-Star Game.
“We all know why we are playing,” said Leonard. “It’s money at stake. It’s an opportunity to make more money. Just betting money on health now, basically.”