NBA All-Star Game Changes

Why Is the Obvious Solution So Evasive?

Once again the NBA is re-re-re-I say, rearranging their All-Star Game's format in their latest attempt to make the game more entertaining for the fans and, as usual, they've missed again. The solution to that seemingly endless problem's right in front of their faces and yet they're completely blind to it. Well, there's convincing to be done and I'll gladly fire the first salvo.

In recent years, the NBA All-Star Game has de-evolved from an intense competitive contest to a ridiculously high-scoring mess. Defense goes right out the window along with the integrity of the game. The league's responses have been numerous format alterations, each one more confusing - and less interesting -  than the last. 

This one is absolutely absurd. I'll just say that naming the teams after TNT NBA analysts and naming those anylists "general managers" of those teams is an obnoxious way for the network to steal the spotlight away from the game solely for self-promotional purposes. I mean, how much Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith can one take? It's nauseating.

If you want the full details of this charade, click here. I dare you.

The problem is the players and NBA officials - most notably commissioner Adam Silver - have forgotten the whole point of an All-Star game. It's supposed to be about competition, not bells, whistles and media bullshit. It's East vs West and pride in your conference, not a "Can You Top This?" scrimmage. It's gotten boring. 

Other than changing the name to the All Showboat Game, the answer to avoiding games like last year's 211-186 farce (Who cares who won, right?) is the kind of painfully obvious solution that always seems to elude the powers that be:

                     Make. The. Game. Competitive.

Forget all the damn window dressing for what's become a deformed product. It hasn't worked because the very product itself - the game - is badly in need of repair. The All-Star game had no fan indifference years ago when the players cared about winning the game. That goal should be reinstilled into the thinking of players and coaches alike as well as those that organize it. 

There's nothing wrong with returning to a proven method. An exciting, competitive All-Star Game will undoubtedly draw more fan interest than the annual sideshow it's become.