Earlier this week, the star-studded roster for the NBA All Star Celebrity Game was announced. Hip hop stars such as Common, Chance the Rapper, Quavo and more will participate in the annual event, taking place on Feb. 14 in Chicago.
In preparation for the big game, Quavo tapped a few big-name buddies to train with him in New York City. A snippet from the game, recorded by NBA trainer Chris Brickley, finds Drake, Sheck Wes, Justin Bieber, DJ Clue and more on the court. After footage from the pickup game circulated on Twitter, fans applauded Quavo’s “Mamba mentality.”
“Only one wit that mamba mentality was Quavo,” one fan tweeted.
“Quavo hoopin like it’s nba scouts watchin,” another wrote.
The upcoming game will kick off an entire weekend of events, including the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, skills challenge, 3-point contest, dunk contest and, of course, the NBA All-Star Game. The celebrity game will also offer a $4,000 donation to the Special Olympics for every shot made from the 4-point line.
Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant will be remembered throughout the weekend with several tributes, including both All-Star teams sporting their jersey numbers.
“We spent a lot of time considering the right target number to use for the fourth quarter,” NBA president of league operations Byron Spruell previously said. “Through the events of this week it became clear to us that the only appropriate number for this season’s All-Star game is 24.”
Chance the Rapper will serve as team captain for Stephen A. Smith’s team, which will include Taylor Bennett, Quavo, Darius Miles, A’ja Wilson, Anthony “Spice” Adams and Lil Rel Howery. Common will be the team captain of Michael Wilbon’s team, leading Bad Bunny, Famous Los, Hannibal Buress, Quentin Richardson, Chelsea Gray and Jidenna.
See the clip from Quavo, Drake and Justin Bieber’s basketball game below.