Last night, the NBA announced a new format for the NBA All-Star Game starting this year with the game taking place at the Staples Center. It’s unclear whether or not they will continue this format for years to come. I guess it will depend on how the fans react.
The new format consists of two captains who will draft players from the pool of players who were voted as starters and reserves without the affiliation of the two conferences. The captains are the top two leaders in votes from each conference for the 67th All-Star Game. The battle of the conferences is officially over, and it gives the opportunity to see a wide variety of well-deserved candidates this season.
“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.” (AP)
With the new format, the East and West will still send 12 players a piece, and there will be five East starters and five West starters. For example: Steph Curry could possibly match-up with Russell Westbrook who are both in the West. It seems like the NBA is hiding the Eastern Conference, because keeping the two conferences separate would show the large gap in talent.
Although, the new format is pleasing to NBA officials, and players round the league, the cry for help from the East is much more defined now. The only thing about the East that shows improvement is Boston’s acquisition of Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, creating a possible playoff contender for LeBron. As far as competition goes, everyone seemed to go from East to West this offseason:
Paul Millsap → Denver Nuggets
Paul George → Oklahoma City Thunder
Carmelo Anthony → Oklahoma City Thunder
Brooke Lopez → Los Angeles Lakers
Jimmy Butler → Minnesota Timberwolves
Jeff Teague → Minnesota Timberwolves
Six more potential All-Stars gone to the Western Conference while the East continues to let LeBron James and company run the show. Who even knows what the actual Eastern Conference All-Star team would look like.
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