Welcome to the NBA All-Star Weekend, where there have been numerous criticisms and opinions on the event. People have expressed their disgust at witnessing the best basketball players in the world shatter the game’s point record. It’s worth noting that an average Y-league team would need four games to accumulate the same number of points achieved in this 48-minute game.
What’s not to appreciate about this showcase? It was essentially a Harlem Globetrotters exhibition, except both teams agreed to play defense at the level of the Washington Generals (or Wizards?). Millions of people show up just to watch Steph Curry take half-court shots and shoot from the tunnel during warmups.
The game itself holds no significance, much like life. Kendrick Perkins and Austin Rivers may argue that it insults the game of basketball, but they wouldn’t know since they never participated in one. Exhibitions should prioritize entertainment value. Whether it’s Luka Doncic failing to self-oop or Damian Lillard winning another MVP award that doesn’t hold much weight, what matters is putting on a show. Throw down a dunk, acknowledge the crowd, and enjoy the moment.
NBA players prioritize their careers over a meaningless game, which makes sense considering they sit out important games to protect their livelihood. Why would they risk even a minor injury in an exhibition match? It’s understandable that they value their main revenue stream. Adam Silver may be the commissioner, but he doesn’t control the players’ decisions.
During the trophy ceremony, Silver congratulated the Eastern Conference All-Stars for scoring the most points. But what’s the plan here, Adam? Are you aiming for death by a million passive-aggressive comments? Unless the prize money is enough to fund Bronny VII’s college education, the All-Star Game will always be a scoring extravaganza. And that’s how it should be. We could even consider adding a 10-point line, raising or lowering the rims, or transforming it into a full-out MTV Rock N’ Jock experience.
The LED court has immense potential for power-ups and boosters, so why are some people demanding more defense? Let’s focus on creating a spectacle instead. If Silver decides to make one rule change, let it be that the All-Star point record gets reset every year. Make them score an absurd number of points and see how they handle it.
We could even incorporate the Dunk and Three-Point contests into the game itself. After all, isn’t that what these events are about? Fake records, meaningless awards, displays of athleticism and shooting skills, and a complete absence of defense. Since players already have the freedom to dunk and shoot unhindered, why should the game be any different? It’s hypocritical.
Let’s get rid of the clock and return to the Elam Ending, but this time, set the winning point total at 350. If players want to shoot practice jumpers, the game won’t end until one team makes 100 three-pointers and 25 dunks. This would give Karl-Anthony Towns a genuine opportunity to break Wilt Chamberlain’s single-game scoring record during All-Star Weekend, fulfilling his destiny.
As for the future of the All-Star Game, the quality of the event, or rather the point total, can only improve from here. Let’s embrace the high-scoring nature of the game and let it continue in that direction.
According to the Source deadspin.com