Earlier this week, the NBA celebrated the 73rd All-Star game, which saw a return to the game’s traditional format of conferences battling it out against each other. While the return to the format was backed by the need for competitiveness to combat failing viewership numbers, the much-awaited game was anything but competitive.
To bring about a rampant change in the intensity of the game, former NBA player and NBA on TNT analyst Kendrick Perkins put forward an idea backed by monetary incentives.
Kendrick Perkins provides solution to makes NBA All-Star Game more exciting
The NBA All-Star Weekend was held in Indianapolis earlier this week with many surprises and thrilling moments that caught the fans’ attention. The highly anticipated event saw multiple changes that would further help the league elevate global presence and boost viewership numbers.
This year’s All-Star Game was played in the traditional Eastern Conference vs Western Conference format, a move which was put in place to increase the level of competition amongst the two teams. However, the game failed to meet its target with either team taking the game very lightly, having fun on the court rather than battling and contesting fiercely.
One of the key highlighted points was the lack of defense which was widely evident throughout the game, giving rise to the scoring opportunities. The game which was won by the Eastern Conference ended 211-186 making the Eastern team, the first team to cross the 200-point mark.
Many former players and analysts have suggested ways to make the game better; if not better, watchable. One of the most notable opinion on the prestigious game came from Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player who was utterly disappointed with the way in which the game was played.
“It was embarrassing and it was disrespectful to the game of basketball,” Perkins said. He added, “To be an NBA All-Star, it’s an honor! I played 14 years and never made an All-Star Game.” While he expressed his growing frustration for the game, Perkins also provided an opinion to make the game better, following the In-Season Tournament’s success.
“In order to move the needle, in order to get an All-Star game where they are actually competing, the NBA is going to have to increase the incentives. If a team wins, each player getting an additional 500,000 USD.”
While there is no indication from the league to adopt such policies, there is a clear notion from fans around the world to advocate for a change in how the All-Star Game is conducted.
Warriors to host NBA All-Star Games 2025
Soon after the All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis concluded, the NBA announced the venue for the next All-Star Weekend which will commemorate the 74th edition of the prestigious game. While the game is meant to be a period of rest and celebration, many have called for a change in the way the game is approached after the lack of apparent competition that was noticed by fans around the world.
This year, Bucks superstar Damian Lillard had the time of his life over the weekend, winning the annual three-point contest and also taking home the All-Star Game MVP after hitting some stellar long-range shots and scoring 39 points.
On the other hand, Timberwolves center Karl Anthony-Towns managed to score a 50-piece but it went in vain. The NBA will hope to have a better sense of competitiveness amongst the players in San Francisco, next season to present fans with better quality entertainment.
What are your thoughts on the All-Star Weekend? Should the NBA cancel the All-Star Game? What changes should be made to initiate more competition between the superstars? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions, so feel free to comment below.
