SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — For the previous few days, San Francisco was the middle of the basketball universe. It was the primary time in 25 years NBA All-Star weekend was within the Bay Space.
Coming into the weekend, there have been doubts about how San Francisco would fare because the host metropolis — most notably from TNT analyst Charles Barkley. Nevertheless, the NBA legend’s ideas in regards to the metropolis may need modified upon making a six-figure donation to a neighborhood nonprofit. After All-Star weekend, Barkley was not solely the outstanding determine to have good issues to say about San Francisco.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver even went so far as to say the town goes via a “renaissance,” including that the town is “turning the corner.”
Curry listed as world’s second-highest paid athlete in 2024: report
Silver stated he hung out with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie at a number of occasions all through the previous few days in San Francisco.
“There really is a sense of optimism in this community right now,” Silver stated in a clip posted on Lurie’s X account. “Frankly, I felt it all the way in New York before I got here. I think the national media is covering the renaissance we’re seeing here in San Francisco… I’ve sensed more energy these last several days here than I’ve experienced in a long time.”
Silver added that beneath Lurie’s management, he believes San Francisco is headed in the fitting route. The commissioner did acknowledge former Mayor London Breed for her work as she was “instrumental” in bringing the All-Star sport to San Francisco.
Charles Barkley donates $250K to San Francisco nonprofit: ‘The people are amazing’
Commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver held a press convention at Chase Heart on 2025 NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco, California, United States on February 15, 2025. (Picture by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu by way of Getty Photographs)
Kenny Smith roasts Charles Barkley’s beef with San Francisco
Lurie stated he met with NBA homeowners and enterprise leaders who all had good issues to say about The Metropolis by The Bay.
“Business leaders are here; NBA owners are here,” Lurie instructed reporters Sunday night time contained in the Chase Heart for the 74th NBA All-Star Sport. “They’re saying ‘oh, your city looks good.’ There’s this sense of optimism and energy in the city that they haven’t seen for years. They’ve all said that to me all weekend long. It’s been a great weekend for us to show off and tell the world that San Francisco is on the rise.”
NBA gamers additionally had some good issues to say about San Francisco throughout their few days right here, together with Memphis Grizzlies heart Jaren Jackson Jr. who known as the town “beautiful.” The 2-time NBA All-Star and 2025 Defensive Participant of the 12 months prefaced the climate as a caveat.
“When the weather is nice and allowing, parks are great,” Jackson Jr. instructed KRON4 throughout an NBA 2K occasion in Union Sq. Friday. “A lot of people, a lot of places to see… but it’s a beautiful city. It’s a beautiful place.”
San Antonio Spurs celebrity Victor Wembanyama stated he felt the joy in San Francisco for the festivities.
“Seeing all that energy I feel like it’s really different even from last year,” stated Wembanyama, 21, who was chosen to his first NBA All-Star crew however was additionally in Indiana for final yr’s occasion. “It feels like the whole city is vibing around the NBA right now.”
NBA All-Star weekend wasn’t the one main occasion to happen in San Francisco this week. The world-renowned Lunar New 12 months Parade occurred Saturday in downtown.
“It’s been a slam dunk,” Lurie stated of the occasions in San Francisco. “We’ve kept people safe. We’re able to have the Lunar New Year parade and the dunk contest — two really global events in one night. We pulled it off.”
