NBA all-star Zach Lavine, G-league Windy City Bulls player Perrion Callandret, and Paul Lavine opened up about the NBA All-Star Weekend this year and how COVID-19 affected the experience.

Zach Lavine said, ”COVID-19 has changed the world, basketball and the entire sports industry in many ways, but more than anything, it’s made me more appreciative of my family, my teammates, and that precious time we get to spend together. I cherish every moment.” 

Lavine also talked about the benefits of COVID-19 rules. “The new normal of COVID-19 and the changes it’s made have taken some getting used to for sure, but the protocols allow us to play the game we love while taking the necessary precautions to keep each other and our communities safe,” Lavine said.

Lavine continued, “The protocols are a great line of defense to keep everyone safe, and I’m grateful for the doctors, scientists and first responders who’ve gone above and beyond to make sure we have the latest information to stay healthy.” 

Callendret also felt that prior to COVID-19, the All-Star experience was very different. He misses the “greater interaction with fans” that “allowed players to have fun and reap the benefits of their hard work.”   

Callendret also talked about his basketball experience with COVID-19. Callendret said, “I feel safe with COVID. I feel like the vaccination gives us the best chance at a normal life again. Whatever that looks like I feel like the vaccination gives us a chance. If you choose to take the vaccine which is your choice and I respect it either way.” 

Paul Lavine, Zach Lavine's father, was on the same page with his son regarding the All-Star experience. “Yes, the All-Star weekend was better before COVID-19 because the world was better, and there was full capacity for fans,” said Paul Lavine.

Paul Lavine also talked about COVID-19 and the protocols. He said, “The protocols are keeping people safer…The only difference is wearing masks, and social distancing. Playing basketball isn't harder with COVID-19, it’s just a process now.”  

Cleveland News 5 stated, “With the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend less than three weeks away, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced on Mon., Feb. 7 the COVID-19 protocols for fans and event attendees as well as a series of initiatives through a collaboration between the Cavaliers and the NBA to boost the city's vaccination rate and bolster the city's pandemic recovery. In order to meet the testing requirement of the COVID-19 protocols, guests will be required to have a negative PCR test 48 hours before their first event or a negative antigen test the day of their first event.”

The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be held on Fri., Feb. 18 and televised on ESPN.

Tags: sports, Alexander Carr, event

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About Camryn Lavine

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