The World All-Star Classic, a six-game, two-week, four-continent tour, is already down a few superstars. After this morning’s announcement of participants, dates and locations, LeBron James shared with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he would not be participating in the event. In fact, he says that he never committed to the tour. The reason he gave for not participating was that he’d prefer to spend that time with his family and training.
It’s also being announced that Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul have opted not to participate either. The timing of this is curious as the NBA and the Union are currently in meetings and are rumored to be inching towards an agreement. The three stars pulling out of the tour doesn’t necessarily mean that a deal is that close to fruition but it does raise hope that perhaps they know something we don’t yet. Add to that the fact that Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook also pulled out recently… well let’s just say prayers up!
That means, even though I know that money was probably the motivating factor, I’m a glass half-full type of person.
