My first hand experience at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in Cleveland, Ohio. This blog will go into detail on my time at the events this weekend, NBA All-Star news, why this weekend was important to Cleveland, and what LeBron James said to get Cleveland fans excited about for the future.
This was my view for the NBA Rising Stars Game on February 18, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio.
“My last year will be played with my son. - LeBron James at NBA-All Star weekend, from ESPN.com (Feb 19, 2022)"
Rising Stars Game, NBA All-Star News
Watching the All-Star game in person instead of through a screen was an unforgettable experience. Cleveland being more than deserving of this event, created an amazing atmosphere to be around throughout the city. This weekend hands down was truly one of the greatest memories in my life so far. Being from Akron, Ohio and absolutely obsessed with Cleveland sports, this was like a dream come true to be a part of a couple festivities. I was being the ultimate fanboy while walking around the arena and city. Having gone to 6 Cavaliers games this season, the atmosphere was amped up times 10. The city was plastered with NBA advertisements and pictures of the best NBA players. The entire weekend put Cleveland on the map with the best of the best cities to host an All-Star weekend. I attended the Rising Stars game which had the best rookies and sophomores playing each other. The whole thing was almost overwhelming for such an NBA fan like myself. The Cavaliers were well represented throughout the events of the weekend. The Rising Stars game featured Cleveland's own Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro who went on to win the event of the night. The Skills challenge event was in a completely new format this year. The Cavaliers had their own team (1/3 competing) in the skills challenge portion of the night. Our team consisting of Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland took home the hardware (trophy) for the night, giving the Cavs our second overall victory of the weekend. We ended the weekend with a victory from Team LeBron, which rostered our own Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen completing their very first All-Star appearance.
Why This Weekend was so Important for the City of Cleveland!
The city of Cleveland benefited lavishly from the NBA All-Star events over the weekend. It was estimated that Cleveland earned over $1.25 million for the city's economy after the events. This brought more people and more business to the city of Cleveland with many celebrities and fans staying in the city for the duration of the weekend. The city of Cleveland will forever be forged in the history of the NBA as being the city to host the All-Star game for the 75th anniversary season. That says a lot about the respect Cleveland demands from professional sports leagues. A fun fact is that Cleveland hosted the All-Star games 25 years prior, on the NBA's 50th anniversary year. This CEMENTS us as a premier sports city and town more than capable of hosting a major event. But more importantly two of the most iconic and remembered years in the NBA's history happened in Cleveland. This does nothing but put a huge smile on my face.
LeBron's Comments on the All-Star Game, Cleveland, and What the Future Holds
LeBron James had a few interesting comments that made Cleveland fans wonder! First of all he was asked on the state of the city of Cleveland during the All-Star game. According to cbssports.com, James stated, "To sit here 25 years later doing what I love to do, dreaming about what I love to do, believing in what I wanted to be, it's just unbelievable. I mean, Cleveland is very deserving of this platform and this moment. They got two All-Stars of their own in the game in D.G. and the big fella, Jarrett Allen. And they got another guy in the All-Star, and that's me. It's great, man." This gives Cavs fans extra reassurance from a Cleveland legend that our young core is in good hands. LeBron has been open and adamant about his future, stating he wants to finish his career playing with his son. I will leave you Cavs fans with some words of encouragement and hope for the future. When asked on his potential return to Cleveland James was quoted saying, " the doors not closed on that" , according to theathletic.com. When he comes back to retire with his hometown team, fans should receive him with open arms.
The Rising Stars game court and stage where players were introduced. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd went absolutely berserk when Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro were announced.
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