The pursuit to improve the NBA All-Star game appears never-ending.
According to ESPN, the NBA is “in serious discussions” regarding a tournament-style format for February’s NBA All-Star Game, which is slated to take place in San Francisco, home of the Warriors.
The format, according to the report, indicates that the tournament would consist of three All-Star teams of eight players each, making up all 24 named NBA All-Stars — as well as the winner of the Rising Stars game being team No. 4.
NBA officials discussed the new format as recent as Friday with the league’s Competition Committee, led by team governors, players, coaches, executives, and union personnel, sources told ESPN.
“We’re looking at other formats,” commissioner Adam Silver said earlier in November, according to ESPN. “I think there’s no doubt that the players were disappointed as well in last year’s All-Star Game. We all want to do a better job providing competition and entertainment for our fans.”
The All-Star Game has been a subject of criticism in recent years because of lack of defense and overall competitiveness, amplified in last year’s record-breaking effort.
Last year, the Eastern Conference beat the Western Conference 211-186.
The East became the first team to score 200-plus in an All-Star Game, setting a record for the event.
The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 16 at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
