NBA All-Star Game is losing its appeal as players show little interest in this annual event. The NBA has tried different formats in order to spice up the game, including introducing a draft of players, playing for charity and using a goal score at the end of each quarter.
These changes have not made the game any more exciting or competitive. NBA is now reportedly considering returning to the old East-West format that was used for 66 year before the switch to the draft. The Athletic’s Shams Charania & Mike Vorkunov report that the idea was discussed during a recent meeting of the board of governors and general managers as the NBA tries to make the sport more attractive.
LeBron LeBron is the captain of a team every year, since the introduction of the captaincy format in 2018. James doesn’t appear to be too concerned about the format of the game or the format itself. In the past, he has said that he does not enjoy playing in All Star Game. He would prefer to rest during the break. He was also criticized for taking the game too lightly and choosing his friends and team-mates over other worthy players.
It doesn’t matter if it’s East or West, Team LeBron or Team Whoever. It probably won’t matter to James or anyone else if it is East vs. West, Team LeBron vs. The NBA All-Star Game is likely to be a forgettable and dull affair that nobody will remember.
NBA Twitter reacts on proposed All-Star Game format change
LeBron greets Giannis Antietokounmpo (via Ron Schwane of the Associated Press), after he hits a shot that wins the NBA All-Star Basketball Game.
Many fans expressed their skepticism about the proposed changes, arguing it wouldn’t fix the All-Star Game’s underlying issue: the lack motivation and effort by the players. Many have pointed out the East Vs. West format wasn’t very interesting or competitive as demonstrated by the 2017 game, which ended 192-182.
They are the ones that make or break a game. The players are the ones that decide if they want a competitive game, if they want to be entertained, and if they want a hard-hitting game. If they don’t care about the sport, then no one else does either.
If they care – if the players play with passion, pride and challenge each other and themselves, if the put on a good show for them and us, then we might too. Then maybe fans will be able to enjoy a show.
