Harden, Giannis concerned with playing All-Star Game in pandemic

NBA superstars James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo became the latest high-profile players to voice their disapproval of the league's intention to put on an All-Star Game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I feel the same way as some of the other players ... we're trying to calm a virus down, and we're putting on a game. I know what the reasoning is for it, but I feel like, especially with a condensed schedule, it feels like everything was forced upon players," Harden said following the Nets' loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

"It's already draining," the three-time scoring champion added. "We're playing a lot of games in a week, and I feel like that was a week for us to relax, be with our families, and take a step back away from basketball."

De'Aaron Fox and LeBron James were the first players to openly question the league's decision to host the midseason showcase. After Fox labeled playing the game during a pandemic as "stupid," James said participating in the exhibition contest after a shortened offseason was "a slap in the face."

The Lakers superstar added he had "zero energy and zero excitement" to play in this season's All-Star Game, a sentiment echoed by Antetokounmpo on Friday.

"The Big Dog (LeBron James) says he has zero excitement, zero energy for the All-Star Game. I'm the same way," Antetokounmpo said following the Bucks' win over the Cavaliers, according to The Athletic's Eric Nehm. "I really, right now, don't care about the All-Star Game ... I can't worry about the All-Star Game. I want to see my family."

The 2021 All-Star Weekend was initially canceled back in November because of the pandemic, but the league has changed course despite postponing 24 games due to health and safety protocols.

In addition to playing the All-Star Game on March 7, plans to hold a Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contest are in the works.