Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Rotterdam to play NBA All-Star Celebrity game, but doesn't get picked
Nick Kyrgios, who is known for his deep love for basketball, decided to pull out of the Rotterdam Open in Netherlands because he wanted to participate in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. However, when the final teams for the game were announced, Kyrgios' name wasn't on either of the team sheets.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, who at various times has said that he prefers basketball over tennis, decided to give this week's Rotterdam Open a miss in order to play basketball at the NBA All-Star Celebrity game. However, the teams for the high-profile game were announced on Thursday, Nick Kyrgios' name could not be found on the rosters
It was in the last October, while he was playing at the Shanghai Masters, that Kyrgios called Richard Krajicek, the tournament director at Rotterdam, asking if he could get some time off to play both Rotterdam and the NBA All-Star Celebrity game. When Krajicek turned down his request, Kyrgios decided to give the ATP tournament a miss.
“Unfortunately this All-Star weekend is the same weekend as the final in Rotterdam. For that reason, Kyrgios had asked us if there was a possibility to allow him to play there. Since basketball is his biggest passion, we understand his dilemma, as this is truly a unique opportunity for him.”
“We want a top tennis player seen on the court. Kyrgios prefers his passion beyond his profession,” added Krajicek.
Here are the team's for the NBA All-Star Celebrity game, to be played next Friday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.Â
Michael Smith’s West Team:
Miles Brown (actor)
Tom Cavanagh (actor)
Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner)
Baron Davis (NBA legend)
Andy Grammer (recording artist)
Jiang Jinfu (actor, model)
Anthony Mackie (actor)
Romeo Miller (actor, recording artist)
Hasan Minhaj (actor, comedian)
Master P (actor, recording artist)
Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks)
Aarón Sánchez (celebrity chef)
Jemele Hill’s East Team:
Brandon Armstrong (former NBA D-League player and social media star)
Win Butler (musician)
Nick Cannon (actor, recording artist)
Rachel DeMita (NBA2K TV personality)
Ansel Elgort (actor, recording artist)
Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks owner)
Caleb McLaughlin (actor)
Peter Rosenberg (media personality)
Oscar Schmidt (Basketball legend)
Lindsay Whalen (WNBA player)
Jason Williams (NBA legend)
Kris Wu (recording artist)