Okay, enough is enough. I knew this latest new NBA All-Star Game format was stillborn as soon as they announced it. Who the hell's responsible for these idiotic ideas?
It's bad enough that TNT Sports horned their way into the act with the NBA allowing TNT's "Inside the NBA" hosts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Candace Parker to pick the players for the four teams named for them. But interrupting the first game to present them with going-away gifts (They're not retiring, they're moving to ESPN next year) as if crowning them as the highlight of the entire event was disheartening enough but whoever thought having Kevin Hart as the emcee was a hot idea owes the fans an explanation and an apology, if not his resignation.
"Inside the NBA" is an extremely popular show, I get that. But instead of making a bad product virtually toxic they could've devoted their own show for the cause or TNT could've run a special broadcast for it but no, the NBA gladly allowed TNT to stop their all-star game so they could all obnoxiously pat themselves on the back in the name of publicity, greed and sheer arrogance.
So, now what? Every year the league and network powers that be concoct a new format to improve on the previous year's in a pathetic attempt to convince the fans that they know what the fans want. However, they keep going further in reverse. Every time. In fact, plans for another format for next year is already being leaked but honestly, should anyone really give a damn anymore?
If they all were genuinely serious (and competent) about improving the NBA All-Star Game I'm happy to offer a few ideas (not that they care). First of all, go back to the game's roots. Return and maintain the East vs. West format because that will give the fans an automatic geographical rooting interest.
Then, call players and coaches alike and drive it into their collective heads that they need to take pride in their conference and play as if they care. I'm not saying to treat it with playoff intensity, just play it as a competitive basketball game, not a combination of a playground scrimmage and the Harlem Globetrotters. The message should be clear: "Show them what got you to this level. That's why you were voted in."
And then, perhaps, they could add a scrimmage during the events of the day before featuring all the acrobatics they can muster in two 15-minute halves.
Since its inception in 1951 the NBA All-Star Game has mostly been a high-scoring affair and that's was fine until it got out of hand the last 10 years leading up to the 2024 game's preposterous 211-186 score. There's nothing wrong with being fancy at times and having some fun but it should be in moderation, never the norm, especially when the fans are footing the bill.

Sports: My 2 Cents