All Star Weekend is supposed to be one of the premier showcases of the NBA product. The stars are on display, the gaming elite are there, events take place all over the city, which sometimes gives a festival feel. So what’s the problem?
Well, the idea is to entertain and recently the general consensus is that it’s just not very entertaining. The lead-up events are confusing and/or just plain weird. The dunk contest has jumped the shark (don’t give them any ideas, please). The 3-point contest is always effective, but doesn’t always involve the best shooters. And of course, the All Star game itself turned into a half-speed pickup game (no matter how much the league tried to guilt them into trying harder).
The league has tried a number of gimmicks to spice things up. New events, repechages led by captain, Elam Ending and now World vs. USA. None of this seems to have made much difference yet. So how would you change things to make it more interesting?
Incentives to win the game? Related to money or the team? Format changes? Or simply delete certain events? Maybe move it to the offseason after the Finals (like the NFL Pro Bowl)? Don’t hesitate to be creative!
What are your thoughts? You are the commissioner and you can take the lead. How do you change things?
