The All-Star weekend has set the stage for many historic performances over the years. The NBA typically does a fantastic job, in cohesion with the host city, to set up the festivities and events which prelude the All-Star game on Sunday.
Throughout the history of the event, a huge star-studded crowd is always in attendance, while NBA fans around the world get to watch from the comfort of their home. However, a few complaints arose after the conclusion of the 2017 All-Star game.
Both teams played in an up-tempo pace of game, attempting to break the record for most points scored in an All-Star game. By the conclusion of the contest, they certainly accomplished that record, teaming up for a record 374 points in the 192-182 West victory. Although both teams were able to come within 18 points of 200, the scrimmage featured very little defensive effort and didn’t set the stage for a competitive game.
Many basketball analysts and sports outlet began creating a negative perception of the All-Star game and how the event has lost some of its value. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has taken notice of these recent complaints and has taken action is discussing potential ideas to improve the All-Star game. Upon a conversation with the National Basketball Players Association President, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, the duo were able to ponder some ideas on ways to spice up the game, via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk:
“I just think this is one where we just have to reset,” Silver continued. “Chris’ suggestion was let’s get back with maybe the same group we negotiated the collective bargaining — Michael Jordan on the owners’ side, Jeanie Buss, Wyc Grousbeck, James Jones, Kyle Korver and LeBron [James] and others — let’s all get back together and figure out a way to do this.”
Silver alluded to the fact that most coaches and general managers will constantly remind their players that it is only an exhibition game, roughly translating to the coaches wanting less of an effort in order to conserve their player’s energy and reduce the risk of energy.
One suggestion via Paul was having All-Star captains potentially pick the starting lineup, which would coincidentally get rid of fan voting as well. However, the most noted suggestion that came up involves creating a 4-point shot, marked by certain areas on the court:
It is an All-Star Game, and you are out there to have fun,” Silver said. “You hear people talking about 4-point shots, something that’s not about to happen in the NBA but maybe in an All-Star Game; maybe there’s a few spots on the floor where it is a 4-point shot, maybe there’s a half-court shot in the last minute that is 10 points. I don’t know. Maybe those are crazy ideas.
Commissioner Silver also stated that if anyone has suggestions on how to add to the excitement of the contest to email him at Adam@NBA.com. The media certainly should present other alternatives once the season finishes up, so that the NBA and NBPA actually have a formal meeting on the subject.
The end of February and beginning of March typically is a notice to teams around the NBA that the playoffs are soon approaching. At the conclusion of the All-Star break, teams have roughly 25 games left in the season, to either make a playoff push or re-evaluate their talent heading into the offseason.
