Harden: All-Star Game 'forced and thrown upon us'

James Harden is the latest NBA unhappy with the league's decision to host an All-Star Game during the pandemic. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' James Harden: 'This All-Star Game was kind of forced and thrown upon us'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/7/21

Many NBA players have made it known that they aren't happy with the NBA's decision to host the All-Star Game amid the ongoing pandemic.

Brooklyn Nets star James Harden is among those players. The three-time scoring champion said Sunday that the league "kind of forced" the game upon the players, according to Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated:

James Harden: "This All-Star Game was kind of forced, and thrown upon us."
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) March 7, 2021

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said last month that he had "zero energy" and "zero excitement" about this year's All-Star Game amid the pandemic. Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox also called the decision to play an All-Star Game this year "stupid."

It's not surprising that many players expressed displeasure. The pandemic is far from over, and to make matters worse, Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons aren't playing in the game after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Harden is a reserve player for Team Durant and Sunday will mark his ninth All-Star Game. The 31-year-old was traded to the Nets this season after nine seasons with the Houston Rockets.

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