PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- It appears the NBA and the Players Association are close to completing an agreement for an All-Star Game this season, according to reports from The Associated Press and ESPN.
While the voting process for All-Star recognition officially began last week, whether there would be an actual exhibition, as would happen in a "normal" season, has been an open question. It seemed counterproductive to the NBA's and, frankly, public health experts' efforts to keep everyone as safe as possible during the pandemic.
This development indicates that the All-Star Game will happen on March 7 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, during the league's mini-break.
"The league has been doing a good job this year as far as making sure there's rules in place and making sure everybody follows it," Sixers star Joel Embiid said. "I have mixed feelings about (the All-Star Game), but hopefully if it does indeed happen, hopefully they take precautions and everybody stays healthy."
While Embiid kind of played both sides of the situation, the NBA's most recognizable star is unhappy.
"I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year," Lakers superstar LeBron James said. "I don't even understand why we're having an All-Star Game, but it's the agreement the league and the Players Association came about."
The Lakers are fresh off of winning the NBA title in the Disney bubble in October. This current season began in late December. James explained they were initially told there wouldn't be an All-Star Game, so this to him is, "Pretty much a kind of a slap in the face."
James also recognizes that COVID-19 isn't going away anytime soon.
"And we're gonna bring the whole league into one city that's open, so obviously the pandemic has absolutely nothing to do with it, at this point, when it comes to that weekend."
While "the whole league" literally won't be in Atlanta for this event, the NBA's best players will be. There have already been several regular season games that got postponed for coronavirus-related reasons. It's hard to argue against the notion that it's risky to have a lot of teams' stars go through extra travel and exposure to one another for a game that doesn't count towards the standings or postseason.
"If I'm gonna be brutally honest, I think it's stupid," Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox said. Fox has yet to make an All-Star team in his young career. "If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game, then what's the point of bringing an All-Star Game back? But obviously money makes the world go round, so it is what it is."
The reasons behind the NBA's desire for this game aren't entirely clear. ESPN implies that the All-Star Game usually draws a lot of fan interest, but there isn't a different TV deal specifically for this annual showcase of the leagues's stars.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also mentioned that Phoenix Suns guard and National Basketball Players Association President Chris Paul has been in support of an All-Star Game this season, as well as having the event benefit HBCU's and COVID-19 relief.
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If Embiid is selected -- which he is expected to be -- he said he's keeping his focus on the task at hand.
"We'll see. We have a long season ... We'll see how I feel," he said. "If it's an issue, if I'm not 100%, you know, I'm focused on winning a championship and getting to the playoffs healthy, so that's the main focus."
He said as long as he takes care of his body, he should be fine.
Embiid has started in the last three All-Star Games, and he's in the early MVP conversation so far this season. Game or no game, it will be beyond shocking if he doesn't make the All-Star team.
James -- who is more than a virtual lock to make it -- said he'll be there if he's selected, but he won't be thrilled about it.
"Obviously you guys can see I'm not very happy about it, but it's out of my hands and I'll be there if I'm selected, but I'll be there physically but not mentally."