For NBA, Chicago is slam dunk for 2020 Allstar festivities

CHICAGO — For the NBA, Chicago was a slam dunk to host the 2020 Allstar game.

The city will host the showcase event for the first time since 1988, when Michael Jordan took off from the foul line in an epic dunk contest and delivered an MVP performance in the game.

Commissioner Adam Silver, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Bulls executives Michael Reinsdorf and John Paxson were on hand Friday for the announcement on the United Center floor.

Silver said Chicago faced “a lot of competition” to bring it back and the city’s plan put it “over the top.”

Renovations in and around the arena, a new 10,000-seat facility on the Near South Side and Emanuel’s desire helped bring in this one. So did a change of heart by the Bulls.

For years, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf opposed hosting the game because of concerns about displacing season ticketholders. But with son Michael — the president and chief operating officer — assuming more authority and grandson Joey in favor, he relented.

“We’ve been going for so many years,” Michael Reinsdorf said. “At the end of the day, I tried to explain it to my dad. I don’t think he’s been to an (NBA) All-star game since 1988. I tried to explain to him the difference now than what it was like when we hosted last. It’s just such a great impact to the city.”

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