David Stern: Howard’s future won’t hurt All-Star game
HOUSTON — NBA Commissioner David Stern doesn’t think Dwight Howard’s uncertain future will overshadow the All-Star game in Orlando in three weeks.
The commissioner spoke Wednesday in Houston, where he officially announced that the All-Star Game would be held there in 2013. Houston hosted the league’s All-Star weekend in 2006, and the city also hosted the game in 1989, in the Astrodome.
Howard, a six-time All-Star, has asked to be traded, and he’ll be a free agent after the season. This year’s game will be played Feb. 26, and Stern says he still expects a high TV rating and large global audience.
Stern says the lockout has not affected TV ratings or attendance this season. He says the league is doing well in China despite Yao Ming’s retirement last summer.