The 2019 NBA All-Star Game has made its way back to Charlotte for the first time since 1991. In addition to the league, a number of its sponsors and other brands have taken over the city for a weekend of events. Along with on-the-court activities, the Qcitymetro team is bringing you some of the major arts, business and community events taking place throughout the weekend.
Saturday, Feb. 16 — Day 3
Media Day and Practice
Players participating in the All-Star Game and skill competitions on Saturday were available for media day at Bojangles’ Coliseum. We spoke to many of the stars including Dwyane Wade who had high praises for Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker.
“He’s one of the toughest covers in the game. He’s one of the best individual players from the standpoint personality wise in the game, so you are happy for his success,” Wade said.
While at the Coliseum, we also ran into Asst. General Manager Diatra Fullwood, who we recently featured in our “A Day in the Life” series.
National Basketball Wives Association Women’s Empowerment Summit
We were one of the few local media in the room of powerful women at the National Basketball Wives Association (NBWA) Women’s Empowerment Summit. Heavy hitters with Carolina connections like Ayesha Curry and Debra Lee talked about their experiences of being women of color in business.
NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Once the roster for the NBA All-Star Saturday Night participants was unveiled, we compiled the list of players with ties to the Carolinas. There were high expectations for a Carolina sweep. Unfortunately, a sweep didn’t happen.
Skills Competition — With come-from-behind victories, including a prayer near half court, former Duke basketball star Jayson Tatum won the Skills Challenge.
3-point Contest — Charlotte native Steph Curry came up just short in the contest. He finished second behind Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris. When asked what he’ll do with the trophy, Harris said he will give it to UNC Charlotte because the university allowed him to use its facilities to practice for the contest.
Slam Dunk Contest — Even though three out of the four contestants for the slam dunk contest have Carolina connections, New York City native and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo earned the title. His dunk over 7’3 Shaquille O’Neal was the highlight of the competition.
Follow our Instagram Stories for more scenes from the weekend’s events.
See other recaps: Day 1 | Day 2
Kallan Louis is a writer and consultant for qcitymetro.com. He does a lot, but never feels like he’s doing enough. His life can be described as a Venn Diagram: News media, Black culture and sports. He’s always on TV, but rarely seen.
