The NBA announced that they have changed the all-star game to look more like a pick game and I LOVE IT. The two players who receive the most votes will be Captains and they will select their team. Twelve players from each conference will be selected. Give players will be selected with fan voting counting 50%, players vote 25% and media vote 25%. The reserves will be picked by the coaches.
As expected, there has already been criticism but it’s another example that Adam Silver is willing to improve the league entertainment value. Unlike Major League Baseball, NBA all-star weekend is the show not necessarily the all star game. Long ago, the focus of the all-star break had shifted to All Star Saturday night. Despite the fact that the slam dunk contest isn’t what it once was, the Saturday night show is the most valuable ticket of the weekend. It’s a celebration of the league and it’s players.
I have no problem that the all-star game itself has changed formats. In fact, I think the East-West match up is antiquated. It’s more compelling thinking about Steph facing off against Westbrook and KD throwing an oop to LeBron than the old school East versus West. There will also be storylines that will go beyond the all-star game. Will someone feel snubbed when not picked by their boy? Will LeBron pick Kyrie and if he does, will Kyrie immediately ask to be traded. The possibilities are endless!!!
The NBA All-Star isn’t supposed to be the MLB All-Star. Different fan bases. Different expectations. No one is at the NBA All-Star game wanting to have a “Rose runs over Fosse” play. Fans don’t want it. Coaches don’t want it. Players don’t want it. And you know what, that’s fine. The MLB All-Star game is great the way it is. The NBA All-Star game is great the way it is. The NHL All-Star game is great the way it is. The Pro Bowl is pure garbage but that’s another conversation for another time.
So Adam Silver, I say “thank you” again. You’ve been great at bringing the NBA to the next generation of fans while preserving what’s great about that game. I can’t wait to see Kyrie’s reaction when the King selects him.
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