NBA All-Star Weekend is a time for the biggest stars in the game to come together and fraternize over some low-stakes, light-in-defense competitions.
However, with Cameron Indoor Stadium just under 150 miles away from the festivities in Charlotte and Duke boasting a squad full of budding stars such as Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish, the Blue Devils' evening contest against in-state rival N.C. State was set to be a star-studded affair.
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather had seats at Cameron Indoor tonight behind the Blue Devil bench, among other celebs and former Duke players. After LeBron James made the trip to Charlottesville, Va., to see Duke take on Virginia in a top-five matchup, the hoopla and fanfare around the young Blue Devils stars has only continued to grow.
Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP for the Golden State Warriors and 10-time All-Star, had tickets to the game but did not make an appearance.
50-0 boxer Mayweather did show up early in the first half. Now, this may seem innocuous enough with boxing and basketball seemingly unrelated. Nevertheless, Mayweather may be trying to get an early glimpse at a potential client for his agency, Mayweather Promotions, as he told TMZ that he is working with NBA agent Alonzo Earle.
When asked about Williamson, Mayweather said, “If Zion signs with me, you got my word that he gonna have a comfortable life when he's on the court and off the court...if he did,” and flashed a backpack with $500,000 in cash.
Other notable players at the game were Grayson Allen, Lance Thomas, Tyus Jones, Amile Jefferson, Quinn Cook and Gary Trent Jr., who have all played for Duke this decade.
Whatever the reason for these stars' attendance, this one is certain: This Blue Devil squad has captivated the nation and living legends are coming in flocks to see them take to the hardwood.
Update: This article was updated after the game to reflect that Kevin Durant did not make it to Cameron and include some of the other former Duke players in the stadium.
Correction: Kyrie Irving's attendance at the game was not confirmed. The Chronicle regrets the error.
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