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George: I don't think ASG 'needs to be had' during pandemic

Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty

After being named to his seventh All-Star Game, Paul George acknowledged he isn't fond of the annual showcase being played during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"I am just not a fan of it with everything going on," the Los Angeles Clippers star said following his team's 135-116 win over the Washington Wizards, courtesy of ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

"I think it is just smart (to not hold one). ... I get we have an amazing league; I'm not discrediting that. But I don't think - just in the middle of a pandemic - it is something that needs to be had."

George missed out on an All-Star selection in 2019-20 - his first season with the Clippers - but has bounced back in a major way in 2020-21. The sharpshooting wing is averaging 24.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists with a career-high 48.6% from 3-point range through 23 games.

The 30-year-old also acknowledged that his own experience with COVID-19 health and safety protocols this season contributes to why he's against an All-Star Game taking place.

"Especially, (for) personal reasons, I got fined for spending time with a teammate, or having a teammate over, and yet we are having this All-Star Game," George added. "So again, I got personal reasons why I disagree with the game (being held)."

George joins a growing list of NBA stars, including LeBron James, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who have voiced their concerns with the league's decision to hold an All-Star Game in recent weeks.

The midseason exhibition will be played on March 7 in Atlanta.

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