Kings' Fox worried about COVID-19 outbreak at All-Star Game

Jan 8, 2021; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center. Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Kings' De'Aaron Fox worried about COVID-19 outbreak at All-Star Game

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/17/21

The NBA's decision to hold the All-Star Game amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was met with strong opposition from players around the league.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called it a "slap in the face," while Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard and others echoed his thoughts.

During an interview with Stadium's Shams Charania, Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox said he'd make the trip to Atlanta if selected for the All-Star Game. However, he admitted he wouldn't be happy about it.

"If I was named one, I'd go," Fox said. "But that doesn't make the concept any less appealing than it was."

Kings star guard De’Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) sits down with @Stadium: His emerging leadership in Sacramento, plus Love & Basketball — how his fiancée is his number one workout partner, helps him stay in the gym making 400-500 3’s each. pic.twitter.com/NOIsaL7mkh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 16, 2021

Although the league has many health and safety protocols in place, Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms urged fans to stay home and not travel to the city for the All-Star Game due to the pandemic.

JUST IN: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms shares her concerns about the city hosting the NBA All-Star game. She says people should *not* travel to ATL.

“...we strongly encourage promoters, clubs, bars, etc. not to host events in the city related to this game.” @11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/kCAPTfXcch
— Chenue Her (@ChenueHer) February 16, 2021

The NBA is planning to host the All-Star Game, dunk contest, three-point contest and skills competition on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The league initially scrapped plans to host the ASG in Indianapolis due to the pandemic before the 2020-21 season began, but reached an agreement with the NBPA last month to have the festivities held in Atlanta.

Fox has never been selected for the All-Star Game, but could make his first appearance at the event this year. The 23-year-old is averaging a career-high 23.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 34.3% from deep.

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