The NBA is returning to the classic East vs West format for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on February 19, PHT.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum explained that not only was this a callback to the traditional roots of basketball in Indianapolis, it was also a way to keep things competitive.
The league has been constantly tinkering with the format, embracing a playground style where team captains drafted their players a few days before or even a few minutes before the game. They also implemented the Elam ending.
"I will tell you after last year's All Star game, some of the feedback that we heard from the fans, and quite frankly from the players is that it was not very competitive. And it is important for us to we don't want anyone getting hurt. But we want it to be a competitive game, because that's what I think the fans tune in to see is they tuned in to see the best players in the world, but they want to see them actually competing and playing. And so we got away from that," Tatum said in an interview with the international media.
"So you know, now going back to East versus West, you know who your teammates are, you get to practice with your teammates on Saturday, you get to build that bond. And we're going to change the timings of the game to make it reflect more of a like a regular season game. And I think that will help the mindset of the players go into into Sunday's game," he added.
There are a significant number of international players in the All-Star Game, including East captain Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece. Joel Embiid hails from Cameroon, Nikola Jokic is from Serbia, Luka Doncic comes from Slovenia, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander banners Canada.
As for the reserves, Paolo Banchero comes from France and Karl-Anthony Towns bears the flag of the Dominican Republic.
This doesn't even count the participants in the rest of the NBA All-Star Weekend events--notably top draft pick Victor Wembanyama of France.
The growth of international players in the league has brought up several concepts to highlight the global game, such as the USA vs the World game for the Rising Stars back in 2019.
It’s the WORLD vs. USA!
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2019
🏀: #NBAAllStar #MTNDEWICERisingStars
?: 9:00pm/et 📺: @nbaontnt pic.twitter.com/odCBeoVunM
Will this be happening anytime soon in the All-Star Game?
"I think there will be a time. That's something we're looking at. There will be a time when that will make a lot of sense for us," Tatum shared.
"But yes, the fact that we have 15 international players who are from 13 countries participating in the weekend does speak to the international presence of our international players who are incorporated to the different events."
"Fans love to see that Victor Wembanyama competing against others like Shae and other international and US players. We're constantly looking at ways to improve that," he added.
He did acknowledge the rise in the level of competition, after Germany, Serbia, and Canada finished at the podium of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. There were around 125 NBA players who suited up in the tournament.
"It really highlights the the talent of basketball players around the world in these different countries," Tatum said.
Not to mention that the Most Valuable Player Award in the NBA was held by Antetokounmpo, Jokic, and Embiid in the past five years.
"I love it, really shos the meritocracy of sports. It doesn't matter if you're from Serbia, Slovenia, from Canada, or the United States. If you can play, you can be one of the best players in the league, and that's inspiring for fans," Tatum said.
Another suggestion floating around for the improvement of the All-Star Game is to expand the lineup from 12 to 15.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses this matter in an NBA.com exclusive with Shaun Powell.
"It’s not in the plans now. Part of the reason we’ve stayed at 12 is because it makes being an All-Star that much more special. As you know, we just came through a collective bargaining cycle and (15-man All-Star rosters) were not high on anyone’s list. There’s a mutual interest with the teams and the players that being an All-Star remains that very special designation," Silver answered.
The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indiana will air from February 17-19 on NBA TV Philippines, One Sports, and the Pilipinas Live app.
