NBA 2017 All-Star Weekend Itinerary and OKC Thunder Participants

Full itinerary of the NBA 2017 All-Star Weekend including Oklahoma City Thunder participants.

Friday, February 17th marked the launch of the NBA 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans with players granting media access to pundits. Not surprisingly the focus of discussion is centered on Russell Westbrook. More specifically, the media is buzzing on whether this weekend will serve as the catalyst for a detente between Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

During Westbrook’s time at the podium he deflected any questions on the Warriors and Durant to fashion.

Also of note, Western Conference Head Coach, Steve Kerr was asked if he’ll play the four Warriors with Russell Westbrook at any time in the main game Sunday. Kerr was definitive the Warrior’s would all see the floor together at some point. As for Westbrook, he was less forthcoming, but did say it was a possibility.

Remember, Westbrook has won the past two All-Star Game MVP Awards, a feat no individual has ever accomplished. Knowing Westbrook won’t play any differently than his normal style (100 percent effort) it’s logical to assume he would try to garner the three-peat. The bigger question will be if he gets the minutes to accomplish the three-peat.

Must Read: All-Star selections reflect what former OKC Big 3 could have been

As for the All-Star Weekend itinerary and Thunder players to watch for here is the full schedule:

NBA 2017 All-Star Weekend lineup

Friday, February 17:

Media interviews of All-Star Players from Noon to 5:00 PM ET- Russell Westbrook participating

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Game – 9:00 PM ET: For the third consecutive year the game will divide world rookies and sophomores versus American rookies and sophomores. OKC Thunder rookies – Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines are participating

Daily NBA TV featured programming – throughout evening before and after events.

Saturday, February 18:

NBA Hall of Fame Announcement at11 AM ET – Tracy McGrady, Chris Webber and Ben Wallace are a few of the Association’s former players who’ll learn if they are going to be inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this coming summer.

All-Star Practice –12:00 PM ET – Russell Westbrook participating

Kumho tire presents NBA D-League All-Star Game 2:30 PM ET – Dakari Johnson participating

Must Read: Dakari Johnson selected to play in All-Star D-League Game

NBA Talent Challenge – 5:00 PM ET, last year this event was introduced the gentlemen from Inside the NBA, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal featured as judges. Fans will have the final vote.

Dew NBA 3-on-3 All-Star Edition – 6:00 PM ET: the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook serves as General Manager as he partners with Dennis Scott and his team to take on Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O’Neal and their team. Of note, the winner of this event will receive funds which will go to their charity. In Westbrook’s case that would be the “Why Not” Charity he continually does work with throughout the year. To learn more about Westbrook’s team and the event view this video at the NBA site.

Adam Silver Media Availability – 7:00 PM ET: the NBA Commissioner does his annual address

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night (on TNT) 8:00 PM ET

Taco Bell Skills Challenge – Bigs versus Guards

Big Men Participants:

Kristaps Porzingis – Knicks
DeMarcus Cousins – Kings
Nikola Jokic – Nuggets replaces Joel Embiid – (Sixers)
Anthony Davis – Pelicans

Guards (or “smalls”) Participants:

Isaiah Thomas – Celtics
Devin Booker – Suns
Gordon Hayward – Jazz
John Wall – Wizards

JBL Three Point Competition:

Klay Thompson – Warriors (defending champ)
Kyle Lowry – Raptors
Kemba Walker – Hornets
Eric Gordon – Rockets
C.J. McCollum – Blazers
Kyrie Irving – Cavaliers
Wes Matthews – Mavericks
Nick Young – Lakers

Verizon Slam Dunk Competition:

Aaron Gordon –Magic
Glenn Robinson III – Pacers
Derrick Jones Jr. – Suns
DeAndre Jordan – Clippers

NBA TV will have programming between the events throughout the day and following All-Star Saturday night, Kia presents NBA Game Time 10:30 PM

Sunday, February 19:

NBA Legends Brunch – 12:30 PM ET

The 18th Annual Legend Brunch offers some of the greatest former players who’ll attend the NBA 2017 All-Star Weekend. This even features a special ceremony honoring specific former players. Shaquille O’Neal will be one of the honorees at this years brunch.

Tune in @NBATV for the NBA Legends Brunch: Bill Russell, @SHAQ, @TheDeliverer_32 & more honored pic.twitter.com/B8DNS7Nx6o
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 16, 2014

Various NBA TV programs beginning at 4 PM ET: Programs such as The Starters and the men from Inside the NBA — 4 – 5 p.m. ET

Auto Trader NBA Tip-Off –7:00 PM ET – pregame show

Kia NBA All-Star Game – 8:20 PM ET

More from Thunderous Intentions

The main event of NBA 2016 All-Star Weekend features the five starters and seven reserves from the Eastern and Western Conferences. Russell Westbrook is the lone Thunder participant.

All eyes will be fixated on whether Steve Kerr decides to put Westbrook on the court at any time with the four Warriors.

Most NBA pundits felt Kerr will acquiesce to the desire of pundits and fans and test this out early in the game. Watch to see if Westbrook can do the unthinkable to three-peat as All-Star MVP.

Inside the NBA Post Game Show – following All-Star Game Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal will recap the event and interview the MVP. Additionally, they’ll reflect on highlights of the weekend.

As the NBA 2017 All-Star Weekend wraps up Westbrook, Sabonis and Abrines will join their Thunder teammates to rest for a few days prior to getting in some practice time. The Thunder return to action February, 24 when they host the Lakers.