Two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman will take his talents from the diamond to the hardwood. The Houston Astros third baseman will be an assistant coach for the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Feb. 17, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports and others.
The 28-year-old will coach alongside two-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP Lisa Leslie. They will be a part of team Ryan Smith, who is the Utah Jazz co-owner. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex will coach on the opposing side for the Jazz’s other co-owner Dwayne Wade. Smith and Wade will be honorary captains. The rosters include 21 Savage, The Miz, DK Metcalf, Janelle Monáe and many others.
“I can’t believe it,’’ Bregman told Nightengale. “I remember the last All-Star Game I went to was in Phoenix in 2011, watching Kobe Bryant win the MVP award, and Shaq coming out dancing onto the court. The place was electric. It is so much fun.”
“Man, I really wish I could play in this game, but I’m not allowed to.’’
Despite being prohibited from playing due to MLB rules, the 2019 Silver Slugger award recipient won’t be the only baseball star in the building. Retired Albert Pujols will get his shot on the basketball court. The 43-year-old will get some playing minutes as a part of Bregman’s team.
Bregman is not a stranger to NBA basketball. The Albuquerque native has attended multiple Houston Rockets games over the years.
The celebrity game will be held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. It will broadcast at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
