Las Vegas to host 2007 All-Star Weekend

[Andrew]

Las Vegas will be the site of the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time the event will be held in a non-NBA city.

An official with knowledge of the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed reports in the Las Vegas media that the city has been given the go-ahead to play host to the league's showcase event.

Mayor Oscar Goodman and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority had been making a strong push to land the game, and one of the final obstacles was finding a way to convince a few luxury suite holders at the Thomas & Mack Center to relinquish their boxes in exchange for seats elsewhere in the arena.

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Good idea, bad idea? I suppose it ultimately doesn't matter, though eliminates the whole "home team player going for MVP" aspect of the game. Mind you, the All-Star Weekend has lost a lot of the spirit it had in the 80s and 90s, when most players actually seemed interested in it and didn't consider it a chore.

[Matthew]

Since 2001 I think the ASG has rejuvinated itself.

As for Las Vagas, I think it's a great move. What harm can it do? And it opens the door for more fans to see nba basketball.

[Andrew]

In some respects. The 2005 dunk contest was one of the best in years, I'd say the best since 2000, there's still plenty of excitement surrounding the weekend and the All-Star game and it remains one of the most exciting events in the NBA schedule. But it's still missing something these days, the attitudes are different.

[Matthew]

The 2003 one with Mason and richardson was better than 2005 imo.

I love the all star game these days. In 97 it was only special becuase of the nba at 50. In 98, Jordan/Kobe stole the show. In 2000 it was VC. But since 2001 its been about the game more than ever. Good basketball with some glimpses of defense and teamwork, with an amazing amount of talent. You gotta love it.

[Null17]

I'm ok with Vegas. Plus more people from outside Vegas would have more reason to go there since there are so much Casinos and other stuff to do.

[J@3]

All bets are off for the number of players who'll get arrested for certain behaviour at casino's.

[Fresh8]

David Stern is considering having the 09 All-star game in Paris. What's your views on it?

This should be interesting to hold it in Vegas. It's another way to promote the NBA by holding it in non NBA cities. Smart move on a bussiness level.

[Andrew]

I love the all star game these days. In 97 it was only special becuase of the nba at 50. In 98, Jordan/Kobe stole the show. In 2000 it was VC. But since 2001 its been about the game more than ever. Good basketball with some glimpses of defense and teamwork, with an amazing amount of talent. You gotta love it.

The games are entertaining and all, don't get me wrong. But there was something special about the Magic vs Isiah games, the games in the 80s were just as competitive while putting on an awesome show. Like I said, for some players it seems to be a chore for them rather than the honour it's supposed to be. The games are still great, there's just something missing in my opinion that I can't quite put my finger on.

[Matthew]

It's a dumb move, going to Paris. Who cares about france?

I understand testing the waters for possible expansion teams in north america, like st louis and las vagas. Thats where the real money is.

[Null17]

David Stern is considering having the 09 All-star game in Paris.

A few exhibition games outside the US are fine but the all-star break?

[Andrew]

It's a dumb move, going to Paris. Who cares about france?

I understand testing the waters for possible expansion teams in north america, like st louis and las vagas. Thats where the real money is.

That's David Stern for you, he just won't give up the idea of global expansion.

[Matthew]

Global expansion is one thing, and as Null pointed out, its good to play pre season games there. But apart from the playoffs and the occasional regular season blockbuster (shaq vs kobe christmas day), the ASW is the premier even on the NBA calander.

[Indy]

By 2007 The Kings will be the Las Vegas Kings. Mark my words.

[Fenix]

By 2007 The Kings will be the Las Vegas Kings. Mark my words.

Oh my... Where will the Raptors go?

[Jackal]

Doesn't really take a Rocket Scientist to figure out that the Kings might move to Las Vegas. The Maloof brothers seem to be totally in love with the city. They've also been in like 3-4 "Las Vegas" episodes in the first season alone.

[Indy]

Doesn't really take a Rocket Scientist to figure out that the Kings might move to Las Vegas. The Maloof brothers seem to be totally in love with the city. They've also been in like 3-4 "Las Vegas" episodes in the first season alone.

I know, I'm just giving a time frame.

[Jackal]

I just heard George Maloof owns the Palms Hotel, even more reason for them to move sometime soon.

[Indy]

You have to feel bad for the Sacramento fans. The Kings are the only sports team they have, and they really really love their team.

It gets so goddamn loud in there.

[Jona]

I don't think it would be profitable for the L if a team moves to Vegas and the team sucks.

One problem would be the NBA betting in the casinos, there would be a big chance of dirty play in games when theres so much money involved an so near.

Another is the crowds. Vegas is a VERY small city and the masses go to it because of the gambling. If the team sucks, nobody will go to the games, they would prefer the slots machines. There are SO many places to go and have fun, it's difficult for a franchise to stay in good shape, just watch New Orleans.

I don't think it's a good idea.

[cyanide]

That would be terrible for the fans if the Maloofs move there. If the Maloofs do move there, they better be starting a new expansion team, and leave the Kings in Sac-Town.

[-BHZMAFIA-]

Oh well, I guess Memphis is going to get it in 2008. Hopefully half of the players on the all-star team won't get a DUI or get caught during drugs in "Sin City" It should be fun having the all-star game in Las Vegas.

[Jackal]

Why will Memphis get it in 2008?

[PiksS]

las vegas??...do they even have a team???

[Jackal]

The least you could've done was read the first line of the post, the least.

Las Vegas will be the site of the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time the event will be held in a non-NBA city.

That's just sad.

[-BHZMAFIA-]

Why will Memphis get it in 2008?

Mainly because the growth of the city and the new arena they have which is considered as one of the best in the league right now. They were in the running with Las Vegas for '07 too.