LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo could be rival competitors at the conference, but they share the same sentiments regarding the League’s plans to host an All-Star game in March in Atlanta.
Following a 33-point performance and 12 rebounds in the Milwaukee Bucks ‘123-105 victory in Cleveland on Friday night, Antetokounmpo backed James’ position in the game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think all the players were looking forward to those five days, seven days, whatever they were. We have to follow the Big Dog,” Antetokounmpo said, referring to James. “The big dog says he doesn’t have the enthusiasm or energy for the All-Star game and I think so. Right now, I really don’t care about the All-Star game. We can’t see our families.”
“I can’t worry about the All-Star game. I want to see my family. I want to go see my younger brother in Spain, I want my brother to come see me,” he said. he added. “So I think the same. I have no energy, zero emotion. At the end of the day, if they tell us to introduce ourselves, we have to do our job. I will always do my job, I always show up, setting the right example. But at the end of the day, Deep, deep, I don’t want to do it. I want to take a break. “
In the first fan vote, Antetokounmpo was second after Kevin Durant of Brooklyn on the field in front of the Eastern Conference.
The current MVP and Defensive Player of the Year has played in the last four All-Star games, citing his experience in Chicago in 2020 as “a lot of fun for fans.”
“At the end of the day, if we have the All-Star game, I hope fans can be there and we can give it back,” Antetokounmpo said. “At the end of the day, if we have the All-Star game just to have the All-Star game and we don’t have fans, I don’t see the point in playing it.”
Before the Bucks-Cavaliers started, Milwaukee also arrived in Cleveland on game day due to mechanical problems with the team’s plane on Thursday night. They landed in Cleveland on Friday morning.
Players have learned to adapt to these types of situations while playing during the pandemic and in mostly empty arenas.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer sighed before commenting on the All-Star Game, saying, “I fully understand that there are many concerns and I share them.”
Antetokounmpo, like James, said he felt the league would not have an annual showcase until reports began. He said he would rather spend his time relaxing in basketball than compete that night.
“I thought about that, obviously, going into the season, where all I knew wasn’t going to be an All-Star Game, it was going to be a time to spend time with our family,” Antetokounmpo said. “Obviously, when the protocol changes, it’s a bit difficult, because on the road, your family can’t come on the road. You can’t leave the house at home, you can only go to the training facilities or the stadium and I don’t have time to take the family to a nice dinner or for the family to come on tour or just get out of the game. “