Many players, including Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, have publicly criticized the league for plans to organize the 2021 All-Star Game in Atlanta during the first weekend of March.
The decision comes after a last-minute change from the NBA regarding the annual event. The league had cancelled the All-Star Weekend that was initially set to take place in Indianapolis after agreeing to the format of the 2020-21 season.
The NBA remains defiant despite the backlash and instead is reportedly aiming to incorporate player competitions such as the Slam Dunk Contest into halftime of the 2021 All-Star Game.