De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings goalie, obviously doesn’t support the NBA having an All-Star Game this season, saying it’s “stupid” for the league to host the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources told ESPN earlier this week that the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are working on an agreement for an All-Star game on March 7 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
When asked Wednesday night if he had heard of the All-Star game likely to return, Fox said the league’s decision was financially determined.
“If I’m being honest, I think it’s stupid,” Fox said after leading Kings to a win over the Boston Celtics. “If we have to wear a mask and do all this for a regular game, then what’s the point of bringing the All-Star game back?
“Obviously, money makes the world go round, so that’s what it is.”
Despite his reference to NBA coronavirus protocols, Fox said he is not “really worried” about playing in the All-Star Game if selected.
“If I vote, so be it,” he said.
Fox, 23, has a remarkable season with Kings, averaging 22.3 points and 6.6 assists per game. He was not among the top 10 Western Conference guards in the initial fan vote statements, which were announced on Thursday.
Fox was also asked Wednesday night if he would choose to play in the game if he was selected on the Western Conference list.
“You know you’re fined – if you should be in it and you’re not hurt and you decide not to play, it’s a hefty fine,” he said. “So heck, yeah, I’d play in it.”