Subscribe
Follow Us
The NBA released a statement regarding this year's All-Star Game to be held in Los Angeles, which includes several changes, starting with making this the first-ever All-Star Game without Eastern and Western conferences being represented during the game.
Under this new format, two captains will proceed to draft their teammates, just as they would during a pickup game at the blacktop.
The game will be also played for charity, with each team choosing a Los Angeles-based or national charity organization to donate to.
All the details on the NBA All-Star Game changes … pic.twitter.com/gmMWRDD2y0
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 3, 2017
“I'm thrilled with what the players and the league have done to improve the All-Star Game, which has been a priority for all of us,” said NBPA President Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets. “We're looking forward to putting on an entertaining show in L.A.”
“We're excited about the new All-Star format and appreciate the players' willingness to try something new,” said NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell.
The voting will remain in the 50-25-25 split between fans, media members, and players — as it did earlier this year. The criteria, which will be the same for the head coaches, rendering Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens unable to participate for a second straight year.
The results of the voting will be revealed as usual by TNT on a Thursday, this time on Jan. 18 for the starters and on Jan. 23 for the reserves. Voting will be open from Christmas Day until hours before the release of the starters.
This change can make a potential difference, as captains will be more than ever motivated to come out and win during the mid-February festivities. At the same time, if this concert repeats year after year, it will be no different from the usual cliques forming on one particular team.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Tell us in the comments
