Barack Obama Makes Surprise Appearance at NBA All-Star Weekend

At the All-Star NBA Cares event this past weekend, former President Barack Obama’s surprise appearance left many players and attendees a bit starstruck. Zion Williamson, 2019’s #1 NBA draft pick, was among the surprised players.

Along with Luka Doncic and Trae Young, Williamson was there to greet fans when the tables were turned on the players and Obama ended up greeting the athletes. The athletes met Obama only 15 minutes into an All-Star event that connects professional players with students from local under-resourced schools where the athletes help to fill backpacks with supplies for the students.

Williamson effused surprise and respect when he talked about meeting Obama, saying, “It was even crazier when he started talking about my Duke games, him being at the game when my shoe blew out. He was even talking about my recent games. I’m like, ‘Man, you’re keeping up with me?’”

The Chicago Tribune even reported how Obama bonded with the athletes and their coaches by noting their stats, making sports references. The Tribune glowingly noted how Obama really “worked the room.” It won’t be a day ever forgotten for Williams, Doncic, Young, coaches and the other attendees. We imagine they’ll be talking about it for quite some time to come!