The weekend is churning up something exciting. The much-awaited NBA All-Star weekend is upon us. Three days of quality fun, action-packed basketball, and honoring the legends. A signature event, the Celebrity Game will be coached by ESPN’s Stephen A Smith and former NFL star Shannon Sharpe on opposing ends. The roster is a collection of celebrities, athletes, and content creators, all on the same floor to maximize the fan experience. Some though, have a reason bigger than basketball.

Jennifer Hudson, a popular singer and actress will be making her celebrity game debut this season. Her sons being basketball junkies have dragged her to the event year after year. She has watched from the sidelines, hoping to one day participate in the event. The time has finally come for her.

Hudson will be a part of Smith’s roster. The reason for her utmost enthusiasm might melt your heart.

Jennifer Hudson will participate in the NBA All-Star weekend for her late brother

Every year on the same date, 17th February, Hudson and her son are at the celebrity game to watch the starry action unfold. Her son is an ardent fan of basketball. So was her brother, Jason. In October 2008, in a tragic incident, Jason, Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson, and her 17-year-old nephew were murdered. People report that her former brother-in-law, William Balfour was convicted of the murders.

Jennifer Hudson loved her family dearly. Her brother Jason, who was a huge basketball head himself shared his birthday with the NBA All-Star celebrity game. For years, Hudson has looked forward to the day she will get her invitation. Now that the moment has arrived, she is trying to honor her late brother.

“His birthday was February 17th and he was big on basketball too. So that makes me a huge basketball fan and in honor of him I always make a point to celebrate his birthday that way,” said Hudson

She isn’t just coming to put on the jersey. Hudson is taking it seriously. She has trained with former NBA player Derek Fisher and is also taking lessons from popular shooting coach, Lethal Shooter. The Sex and The City star is going for the celebrity game MVP honors to make her son proud.

“Overall, I cannot shame these kids and I want to make my brother proud on his heavenly birthday. And after I become the MVP certified celebrity MVP I’m gonna come back and tell y’all all about it,” Hudson claimed according to People.

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It’s a heart-warming gesture from the beautiful Hudson. The NBA All-Star celebrity game is a glorious opportunity to just watch your favorite celebrities play. But for Hudson, she is playing for a purpose that’s bigger than entertainment. We are sure the whole Lucas Oil Stadium will cheer her on in her touching move.

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