Kings' Fox calls NBA All-Star Game plan 'stupid'

Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox is one NBA player who thinks it's a bad idea for the league to plan an All-Star Game in March during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I mean, if I'm going to be brutally honest, I think it's stupid," Fox told reporters after the Kings' victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. "If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game, then what's the point of bringing the All-Star Game back? But obviously, money makes the world go round, so, it is what it is."

Reports emerged Thursday stating the NBA and the NBPA were finalizing plans to hold the annual exhibition game in Atlanta on March 7.

Players' union president Chris Paul has been an advocate of the idea - which includes a reported plan to donate proceeds from the event to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and COVID-19 relief efforts - sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Fox said despite his feelings, he wouldn't necessarily sit out if fan votes select him for the contest.

"If I get voted in, so be it," he said.

When asked if he would appear otherwise, Fox said his impression was a player could be fined if they didn't compete, as the rule's been in previous years.

"You know you get fined if you (don't play)," he said. "If you're supposed to be in it, and you're not hurt, and you decide not to play, that's a hefty fine. So hell yeah, I'll play in it."

However, discussions around this potential All-Star Game are believed to include opt-out clauses for players, according to Wojnarowski.