Adam Silver is in the crosshairs after Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid were ruled out for the All-Star Game.
The majority of NBA players actually participating in the All-Star Game don’t want to be there. It’s nothing against Atlanta or the festivities, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made completing a season extraordinarily difficult as is. Adding in an All-Star exhibition seems trivial and an unnecessary risk.
As it turns out, that risk could end up biting the best team in the Eastern Conference at the midway point. Embiid and Simmons came in contact with a likely COVID-19 positive individual, as their barber back in Philadelphia may have contracted the virus.
NBA fans took out their anger on Adam Silver
Is it Silver’s fault alone than an All-Star Game took place? Not necessarily. Yet, he’s the figurehead for the owners. Despite all the money left to be made on Sunday night, it’s not worth putting the players — the Association’s literal product — at risk.
Adam Silver- we are doing this All Star game “for the fans” pic.twitter.com/1RLvBb8C0b
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) March 7, 2021
Adam Silver: “Hey buddy, I know it’s short notice but do you wanna play in the All-Star ga—“
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 7, 2021
Trae Young: pic.twitter.com/7PdZd6e6kG
Adam Silver sending All-Star weekend to Atlanta pic.twitter.com/tqkHHb4aPJ
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) March 7, 2021
rest / same barber / more motivation to win a ring to spite Adam Silver for his crimes? we can work with this https://t.co/75rgIB0sS7
— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) March 7, 2021
Trae Young when Adam Silver calls him to play in the All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/zJ5wGemOQ6
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) March 7, 2021
Adam silver trying to balance the owners, players, and fans interests pic.twitter.com/Wd9SDBTNxl
— kyle (@knicks_tape99) March 7, 2021
Live look at Adam Silver post All Star Game https://t.co/1iUtNNXmyM
— taylor (@ItsLowrysWorld) March 7, 2021
This is how Adam Silver will be pulling up to the All-Star game later today: pic.twitter.com/xUF23dsOFd
— Angelo 🧱 (@AGLR_23) March 7, 2021
When Adam Silver pull up to the all star hotel to do room checks pic.twitter.com/oMsusbBcVK
— Anthony Moore (@AllThatandMoore) March 7, 2021
Silver’s relationship with the NBA players’ association is always on rocky ground given those he represents. Sunday’s developments won’t make his job any easier.