Frances Tiafoe has been named as a participant in the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Next weekend, February 17, Tiafoe will participate in the Celebrity Game in Salt Lake City, Utah. “It’s incredible, it’s incredible.
I heard the news a while ago, but [it’s] making it public now, so I’ve just been trying to prepare for it and be ready. He’s a man of honor, he’s an honor,»
Tiafoe told the ATP Tour website. Although Tiafoe was confirmed a while ago that he would be invited to participate in the Celebrity Game, he began to believe it was real only after the NBA sent him an official confirmation email.
“I still didn’t really know until I got that email, but once I got that email that said, ‘You’re going to All Star,’ I was like, ‘This is crazy! I feel like it’s a great crossover. A lot of people have taken an interest in me, a lot of people follow the game of tennis that normally wouldn’t because, A, the personality that I stand out on the court and who I am, and being a person of color.
It’s touching a lot of people and I’m happy,» revealed Tiafoe.
Tiafoe often pulls off a LeBron James celebration
After some of his biggest wins, Tiafoe channeled James’ iconic «muffler» celebration. Tiafoe, a Washington Wizards fan who grew up in the DC area, met James during a Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers game in early December.
When James saw Tiafoe, he approached the American tennis star and the two shared a moment. «It was unbelievable. During target practice, I’m standing there and he walks up to me, points at me after he’s done, and then comes over to me.
That was amazing. I’m glad someone caught that on video. It was amazing. It’s an absolute icon. Obviously, he’s another guy I can’t wait to have a great relationship with,» Tiafoe said.
