NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praises Indianapolis for hosting of NBA All-Star weekend

INDIANAPOLIS — During his press conference with media members during NBA All-Star weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana for their work hosting the event.

"A long time coming, and planning. But they've done a fantastic job here. City and state have worked together in a first-class manner," Silver said. He was speaking to reporters inside Lucas Oil Stadium just before NBA All-Star Saturday night.

Silver thanked Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for their work in making everything come together. He also noted that it was perhaps the longest time between announcement and execution of an All-Star weekend in NBA history — Indianapolis won their All-Star weekend bid in 2017 and began to prepare to host the event in 2021. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced the festivities to be delayed in the Circle City until this past weekend.

"Huge thank you to the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana," Silver said. In the additional three years that Indy had to prepare for All-Star events, they were able to renovate Gainbridge Fieldhouse, add the Bicentennial Unity Plaza to the North end of the arena, and make other important upgrades to their facilities. That made their ability to host the event stronger.

It was the first All-Star weekend in Indiana since 1985. Back then, the Pacers were still owned by Herb Simon, who Silver had kind words for during his press conference. Simon was named as a Hall Of Fame Finalist on Friday night.

"I'm looking forward to the next one in under 40 years," Simon said of having All-Star weekend in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Silver hoped to have the theme of 2024 All-Star weekend be "back to basketball", and he believed that Indiana was the perfect place for that to happen. That's why he went back to the East vs West format for the All-Star game, among other changes. 

"I think we often hear about Indiana being the heartland of basketball," Silver shared. He also went on to quote James Naismith before adding, "This is the place for basketball," when discussing Indiana.

The All-Star festivities wrapped up on Sunday night, with the Eastern Conference team winning the All-Star game. Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton had a strong showing in the game. The 2025 All-Star action will be held in San Francisco, California.