Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox evidently does not support the NBA to have an All-Star Game this season, saying it is “stupid” for the league to host the event amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources told ESPN earlier this week that the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association were working on a deal for an All-Star Game on March 7 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
When asked on Wednesday night whether he had heard about the possible return of the All-Star Game, Fox indicated that the league’s decision was financially motivated.
“To be brutally honest, I think that’s stupid,” said Fox after leading Kings in the victory over the Boston Celtics. “If we have to wear a mask and do all of this in a normal game, what is the point of bringing back the All-Star Game?
“Obviously, money makes the world go around, so it is what it is.”
Despite his reference to protocols related to the NBA coronavirus, Fox said he “is not really concerned” about playing the All-Star Game, if selected.
“If I get voted, so be it,” he said.
Fox, 23, is having an excellent season with the Kings, averaging 22.3 points and 6.6 assists per game. He was not among the top 10 guards at the Western Conference in the initial fan polls, which were announced on Thursday.
Fox was also asked on Wednesday night whether he would choose to play if he was selected for the Western Conference list.
“You know you’re going to be fined – if you should be in the game and not get hurt and decide not to play, that’s a heavy fine,” he said. “So, hell, yes, I would touch him.”