When the news leaked last week that the NBA was finalizing plans to hold its annual All-Star Game on March 7, the reaction from the league’s stars was wholly negative. Kawhi Leonard was among many superstars who pilloried the decision given the health and safety protocols players and teams currently have to abide by, and considering the NBA had previously stated the All-Star Game would not be taking place.
However, despite protestations from several of the league’s best and brightest, the annual exhibition appears to be taking place. So let’s try to understand the case for why the NBA is overriding the wishes of its stars.