The NBA formally revealed that it will have its 2021 edition of NBA All-Star on March 8 (Manila time) at State Farm Arena, with a few tweaks.
The biggest tweak sees the league holding activities on All-Star Saturday integrated onto the same date as the All-Star Game, ensuring that the league's annual celebration of the game takes place only on one day. The Skills Challenge and 3pt Shootout will take place before the game, while the Slam Dunk competition is slated during halftime.
Aside from those, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have banded together to commit over $2.5 million in funds and resources towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief, and vaccines.
The game retain the tweaks put in place last season, integrating a modified version of the "Elam Ending." Teams will play an untimed final quarter aiming to reach the Final Target Score to secure the win. The mark is determined by the leading team's output after three quarters and adding 24 to it, as a homage to Kobe Bryant.
The All-Star Draft will determine roster composition, scheduled on March 5. The NBA already revealed the pool of starters on Friday morning (Manila time), with LeBron James and Kevin Durant named as captains.
This year's edition of the All-Star Game will also highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 towards communities of color, in partnership with the league, its players, and its partners, as well as with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the National Association for Equal Opportunity, and the Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity. Integrating the festivities are special performances by HBCU musical groups, as well as unique storytelling and content by distinguished HBCU alumni and students.
The pandemic has also helped shape this year's edition of the All-Star Game, as additional measures have been established to complement the current Health and Safety Protocols. Such elements include enhanced PCR testing, the creation of a "mini bubble" environment within a single hotel for players and coaches, and private travel in and out of Atlanta. The league also has opted to not have fan activities, ticketed events, and hospitality functions that normally accompany All-Star Weekend.
Here are quotes from executives about the coming All-Star Game:
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver: “NBA All-Star in Atlanta will continue our annual tradition of celebrating the game and the greatest players in the world before a global audience. In addition to the festivities on the court, the All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities and focus attention and resources on COVID-19 relief, particularly for the most vulnerable.”
NBPA Executive Director, Michele Roberts: “HBCUs provided premium education to our communities at a time when access to higher learning was denied to us. They were there – and have remained there – for us. We now stand with them.”
Thurgood Marshall College Fund President and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams: “As a founding partner of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the NBA has been a consistent supporter for more than 33 years. By dedicating its All-Star platform to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the NBA is making a profound statement about the league’s commitment to a better future, recognizing the crucial role Black Colleges have always played in facilitating racial equity and serving the African American community.”
UNCF CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax: “We welcome this exciting opportunity to partner with the NBA and the players. Together, the NBA and players can shine a bright light on the vital work of our nation’s HBCUs and help ensure that we can support our Black college students on their education journeys.”
Clark Atlanta University President, Dr. George T. French, Jr.: “The Clark Atlanta University community is incredibly excited to be a part of NBA All-Star 2021. The night will provide a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, faculty and alumni, but also to share the rich history and essential contributions of our institution and other HBCUs with a global audience.”
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) President, Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams: “As NBA All-Star Weekend visits the City of Atlanta to showcase the talents and contributions of some of the world’s best and most well-known athletes, the ITC community is pleased to join the NBA and its players in celebrating the achievements and contributions of some of our country’s most important institutions – our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
Morehouse College President, David A. Thomas, Ph.D.: “NBA All-Star 2021 presents an extraordinary moment to highlight the legacy of scholarship, leadership and service HBCUs have represented since their founding. Morehouse College is excited to be a part of this celebration and momentous occasion.”
Morris Brown College President, Dr. Kevin James: “Morris Brown College would like to thank the NBA, NBPA and the entire extended NBA family for including us in this year’s All-Star Game. We welcome and appreciate the attention the night will bring to the unique and vital role played by historically Black institutions here in Atlanta and across the country.”
Spelman College President, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell: “As NBA All-Star returns to Atlanta, Spelman College looks forward to being a part of the celebration that highlights HBCUs across the city and beyond. Our mission at Spelman is to educate Black women to become global leaders and to inspire a commitment to positive change. We are honored to be part of the NBA 2021 All-Star celebration of our nation’s HBCUs.”
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