Comical NBA All-Star Game calls for serious change
The NBA's All-Star Game is meant to be one of the most marquee events the sport can offer. Bringing together a collection of the most talented basketball players in the league, with fans from all over the world tuning in. For some, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see many of the NBA's superstars compete against eachother under one roof.
Throughout the years All-Star Game has left us with plenty unforgettable moments. Stephen Curry making it rain ridiculous shots in Cleveland in 2022, with LeBron sinking the game-winner. Or Kobe Bryant playing in his final ever All-Star Game in 2016. These are just a few of many that are etched in our minds.
However, this year's version was a far cry from what once made this annual tradition a spectacle.
At no point ever has it ever been more glaringly obvious there are fixes to be made to All-Star Weekend, with even the skills challenge and dunk contest being panned. But like any substantial change, it starts at the top, with the All-Star Game.
One could easily argue that more effort was put into drafting the rosters between team LeBron and team Giannis than in the game itself. There were wide open layups, dunks, threes nearly every single possession, with not an ounce of defense played. I've gone to Rockets preseason open practices with more passion and competitiveness. And the main issue isn't that we haven't seen this lack of intensity before, it's that there was a rule set in place to prevent it.
In 2020, the NBA implemented a target score of 24 for the fourth quater of the All-Star Game, to commemorate Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The 24 would be added to the leading team's score and both would play on from there. What followed was the most intense quarter of any All-Star Game in NBA History. Offensive fouls were drawn, defenders glued to their man, everybody in the arena on the edge of their seats.
Now, just three years later, and the difference was day and night, with head coaches and players alike voicing their displeasure.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn't mince words about what he felt of the game:
Michael Malone after the 184-175 All-Star Game:
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 20, 2023
"It's an honor to be a part of a great weekend with great players but that was the worst basketball game ever played."
(Via @VicLombardi) pic.twitter.com/HvNauv62UE
Boston Celtics star guard Jaylen Brown called it how he saw it, "a glorified layup line." And added that "we gotta figure out a way to make the game a little bit more competitive."
Jaylen Brown called the NBA All Star game “a glorified layup line” pic.twitter.com/eE3YrAus5S
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 20, 2023
The strong feelings over this year's All-Star Game went far beyond just those in attendance, but also those at home. According to Sports Media Watch, the 2023 All-Star game averaged a combined 2.2 rating and 4.59 million viewers across TNT and TBS, making it the least watched edition of the game ever. Even though huge draws such as Stephen Curry or Giannis Antetokounmpo weren't playing, it's undoubtedly a terrible look for the NBA. To further add salt on the wounds, the NFL's 'revamped' Pro-Bowl flag football game still managed to draw 6.28 million viewers.
So how can the NBA truly right the ship and bring a competitive edge back to one of its marquee games? Is it as simple as one of the players taking a stand and demanding better effort? A prize pool large enough to convince millionares on max contracts to try a tick harder? A mini tournament-style series of games such as the rising stars challenge? My ridiculous pitch to incentivize defense is this: make blocks and steals worth points. Have them worth double in the fourth quarter. Anything to see Joel Embiid try and reject 20 shots or Bam Adebayo pick pockets left and right.
But the truth is there's no direct path to a solution. Every All-Star Game will have its share of highlight-reel moments, but it all comes down to the players. Fresh set of rules could liven up next year's contest, but how many years could that last before it's back to the drawing board? Time will tell what happens, but as a fan, I lament with everyone else disappointed about what went down this year.
References:
Sanjesh Singh
Paulsen