2024-25 NBA Thread: Stephen A. Smith furious at having to watch more basketball (72 Viewers)

[identikit]

Did I miss anything this All-Star weekend?

 

[Major]

Did I miss anything this All-Star weekend?

Not much. The little white G-League dude had some cool dunks on Saturday and I only tuned into the Championship game on Sunday. Seemed like we had 30 minutes of breaks and 30 minutes of Kevin Hart with about 5 minutes of game play

 

[Jayrod]

Did I miss anything this All-Star weekend?

Jayson Tatum ruined the game by taking a wide open dunk instead of kicking it back out to Curry who was being face guarded at the 3 point line.

But, good news, it was Harden who passed him the ball and not Curry as was previously reported.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Did I miss anything this All-Star weekend?

Jayson Tatum ruined the game by taking a wide open dunk instead of kicking it back out to Curry who was being face guarded at the 3 point line.

But, good news, it was Harden who passed him the ball and not Curry as was previously reported.

I mean, it does change the narrative, as absurd as the whole thing is. 8 guys on the court knew what the fans wanted and 2 didn’t understand the moment. I would have been surprised if Curry was in that minority — but there is nothing surprising about Harden not getting it, and my 16 yo predicted 15 seconds before it happened that Tatum would be oblivious to the whole thing. And he was.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I liked the Tournament style and the play to 40. I think those things combined helped make it competitive. There needs to be a bit more "showman" stuff though too, but there were some decent moments for that.

I agree with Draymond though that the Rising Stars Team was kind of a joke. Maybe you have 3 teams next year with the top vote getters having BYE, or you have less players on each squad and/or expand the All-Star roster overall. There were plenty of "snubs" this year that deserved to be playing last night over guys on that Rising Stars team. I would have rather seen the "snubs" like Maxey and Sabonis play on a 4th team.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I liked the Mr. Beast giveaway, but oh my god, is he annoying. I thought Dame was going to punch him.

 

[trader jake]

The NBA has an ex-player problem. Barkley is awesome in his role on TNT, but most of the ex-players seem to mimic whatever they're reading on social media vs giving their actual thoughts and commenting on what they're seeing. Many lean so far into the entertainment side, or their own world, they lose track of how they can add to the on-court product.

I do like Candice Parker as a voice with something to say and feel Jamal Crawford could be really good with some more reps. Richard Jefferson can bring it during games, but the longer he stays in studio the worse off we'll be. Also, JJ Redick was good while it lasted. Other that those handful of ex-players I think you can punt the rest into the sun.

The NBA does a great job keeping former players attached to the NBA, but it doesn't mean we need so many on television as paid commentators. Especially once they've been out of the league for a while and no longer seem interested in really putting in the work. Not everyone can pull off what Charles Barkley does.

 

[SWC]

i think the rising stars played some of the best basketball of the four teams and for that i salute them it was like watching a college team that actually gave a damn instead of the screwing around no defense stuff we otherwise got but but but i have heard on the radio this morning that the guys were playing d and were amped up for the new format until kevin heart was insulting them while they were playing on an auditorium wide game call and at that point they said well if this is being treated like a joke then we will act like its a joke so there is that i think kevin heart should never be allowed to be around another nba thing ever what a farce he made it take that to the bank brohans

 

[SWC]

also draymond green is 100 percent laroosh screw that guy take that to the bank brochachos

 

[Desert_Power]

Richard Jefferson can bring it during games, but the longer he stays in studio the worse off we'll be.

Yeah. I get ashamed of liking him at first with how over the top he tries to be. I guess that is what the execs what.

 

[identikit]

The NBA has an ex-player problem. Barkley is awesome in his role on TNT, but most of the ex-players seem to mimic whatever they're reading on social media vs giving their actual thoughts and commenting on what they're seeing. Many lean so far into the entertainment side, or their own world, they lose track of how they can add to the on-court product.

I do like Candice Parker as a voice with something to say and feel Jamal Crawford could be really good with some more reps. Richard Jefferson can bring it during games, but the longer he stays in studio the worse off we'll be. Also, JJ Redick was good while it lasted. Other that those handful of ex-players I think you can punt the rest into the sun.

The NBA does a great job keeping former players attached to the NBA, but it doesn't mean we need so many on television as paid commentators. Especially once they've been out of the league for a while and no longer seem interested in really putting in the work. Not everyone can pull off what Charles Barkley does.

Seems like to me, like the CNN political mega-panel, there are too, too many 'experts' with their hot takes. Couple that with (oftentimes) limited minutes, it makes me at least mute it, and often switch to something else.

 

[Desert_Power]

Not everyone can pull off what Charles Barkley does.

And, for as much praise as Inside gets, it's really carried by Chuck and Ernie IMO.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

i think the rising stars played some of the best basketball of the four teams and for that i salute them it was like watching a college team that actually gave a damn instead of the screwing around no defense stuff we otherwise got but but but i have heard on the radio this morning that the guys were playing d and were amped up for the new format until kevin heart was insulting them while they were playing on an auditorium wide game call and at that point they said well if this is being treated like a joke then we will act like its a joke so there is that i think kevin heart should never be allowed to be around another nba thing ever what a farce he made it take that to the bank brohans

I agree that the Rising Stars played hard and that elicited hard play from their opponent too. But I kind of agree with Draymond that they aren't all-stars and didn't earn that yet, so shouldn't be in the game.

 

[Capella]

i think the rising stars played some of the best basketball of the four teams and for that i salute them it was like watching a college team that actually gave a damn instead of the screwing around no defense stuff we otherwise got but but but i have heard on the radio this morning that the guys were playing d and were amped up for the new format until kevin heart was insulting them while they were playing on an auditorium wide game call and at that point they said well if this is being treated like a joke then we will act like its a joke so there is that i think kevin heart should never be allowed to be around another nba thing ever what a farce he made it take that to the bank brohans

I agree that the Rising Stars played hard and that elitcited hard play from their opponent too. But I kind of agree with Draymond that they aren't all-stars and didn't earn that yet, so shouldn't be in the game.

He’s absolutely right about that.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I read that only 33 minutes and 41 seconds of actual basketball was played. That is problematic. Way too much Kevin Hart. Though I thought the woman on Saturday night conducting interviews was even worse.

 

[Ted Stickles]

It's already terrible that casual NBA fans may know one or two of these guys in the dunk contest, and it's even worse that a casual sports fan has zero idea who any of these guys are.

I tuned in and it got even worse. These no-namers missing dunk after dunk after dunk after dunk. A guy who missed all of his dunk attempts somehow gets 8's? That should be a 0 or a 1.

The Dunk Contest should limit the number of attempts to three. These guys should be doing dunks that they can consistently make at a 75%-ish clip. All of these missed dunks after missed dunks makes for a terrible spectacle. It was infuriating.

I realize we aren't getting the dunk contests loaded with superstars from the 80's and 90's, but it sure seemed like those guys went up and dunked it on their first attempts.

As for the revised tourney format, I like it. At least there is a set number to play to, and its win or you are bounced.

I agree with all, Kevin Shart is terrible. All of the breaks in play, also terrible. Mr Beast, I will never understand his popularity.

The best part was the Logo three with the college Kid versus Dame. Th end result was awesome. They should do more of these Average Joe's versus Pro's type contests.

EDITED TO ADD: Candice Parker was fantastic.

 

[Moe.]

I like the tourney format, but the production just killed all of the momentum. I think the players checked out when they took a 20 minute break to honor TNT. Everyone loves Inside the NBA but that was so weird. That was one of the worst live events I've ever seen.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

It's already terrible that casual NBA fans may know one or two of these guys in the dunk contest, and it's even worse that a casual sports fan has zero idea who any of these guys are.

I tuned in and it got even worse. These no-namers missing dunk after dunk after dunk after dunk. A guy who missed all of his dunk attempts somehow gets 8's? That should be a 0 or a 1.

The Dunk Contest should limit the number of attempts to three. These guys should be doing dunks that they can consistently make at a 75%-ish clip. All of these missed dunks after missed dunks makes for a terrible spectacle. It was infuriating.

I realize we aren't getting the dunk contests loaded with superstars from the 80's and 90's, but it sure seemed like those guys went up and dunked it on their first attempts.

As for the revised tourney format, I like it. At least there is a set number to play to, and its win or you are bounced.

I agree with all, Kevin Shart is terrible. All of the breaks in play, also terrible. Mr Beast, I will never understand his popularity.

The best part was the Logo three with the college Kid versus Dame. Th end result was awesome. They should do more of these Average Joe's versus Pro's type contests.

EDITED TO ADD: Candice Parker was fantastic.

100% agree that one of the best parts was the college kid vs Dame.

My son’s favorite part was people on Twitter saying “maybe he can use some of the $100k he just won to get a better haircut.”

 

[Desert_Power]

Instead of doing 3 teams of 8 All Stars why not do 4 of 6? With all of the breaks, it isn't like you really need more subs.

Then you can move Rising Stars back to the other night with the full rosters. I actually really like the Rising Stars game because it is good to see new players you may not have seen as much of.

 

[Desert_Power]

Speaking of Rising Stars, the Grizzlies do it again with Edey and Wells (a 2nd) making it. They really should have traded ponies for a horse at the deadline.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Speaking of Rising Stars, the Grizzlies do it again with Edey and Wells (a 2nd) making it. They really should have traded ponies for a horse at the deadline.

Jokic likes ponies

 

[Zow]

I like the tourney format, but the production just killed all of the momentum. I think the players checked out when they took a 20 minute break to honor TNT. Everyone loves Inside the NBA but that was so weird. That was one of the worst live events I've ever seen.

Even the production for the Mr. Beast thing was bad. He took way too long with the initial shots and then they had to rush.

The tribute to the TNT crew was nice but killed the energy from the game.

 

[mr. furley]

The NBA has an ex-player problem. Barkley is awesome in his role on TNT, but most of the ex-players seem to mimic whatever they're reading on social media vs giving their actual thoughts and commenting on what they're seeing. Many lean so far into the entertainment side, or their own world, they lose track of how they can add to the on-court product.

I do like Candice Parker as a voice with something to say and feel Jamal Crawford could be really good with some more reps. Richard Jefferson can bring it during games, but the longer he stays in studio the worse off we'll be. Also, JJ Redick was good while it lasted. Other that those handful of ex-players I think you can punt the rest into the sun.

The NBA does a great job keeping former players attached to the NBA, but it doesn't mean we need so many on television as paid commentators. Especially once they've been out of the league for a while and no longer seem interested in really putting in the work. Not everyone can pull off what Charles Barkley does.

the problem is that hot takery and strong black/white takes are what people want to see.. at least for the last 30 years. seems unlikely to end soon.

 

[the moops]

Heard a stat on a podcast which is bonkers. I'm too lazy to relisten to get exact numbers but...

DeMar DeRozan has taken something like 415 midrange jumpers this season. That is like 200 more than the 2nd place guy, SGA. But get this. That ~415 midrange jumpers in more than 10 teams have taken all season!

 

[identikit]

Unsure what major sports' all star games are worthwhile nowadays

 

[Kiddnets]

I dont want to sound like an old codger as im only in my early 50s but I have such great memories of all star weekend - Bird winning the 3 pt contest in his warmups....MJ vs Nique dunk contest for the ages....Magic winning the MVP. This All star weekend was not only forgettable but boring and borderline unwatchable - Silver should watch some old tape and revise fast before this goes the way of the Pro Bowl.

 

[Kev4029]

I think three big things are happening regarding pro sports AS games and the NBA's AS game/weekend in particular.

1. These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.
2. The quality has gone downhill a bit as the money in pro sports has made it increasingly difficult to get buy in from star players. The injury risk and just general lack of ability to recover during this week has made it a non-starter for most players to put in any effort. Specifically to the NBA, the level of effort during each game during the season has made the season a massive grind. This is a good week to get some rest, get some treatment and have a good time, but not a great time to put in a bunch of work prior to this final push towards the playoffs.
3. The novelty of the 3-point contest and dunk contest has warn off. The dunk contest used to be the draw but combined with #2 above, you get unknown players to the general public performing dunks they've already seen before.

#1 will never change. I think there is a possibility #2 could change to some level if they dropped the number of regular season games but I don't think that would have a huge effect. #3 has probably sailed as well. They could make some changes on the margins to make a better production but I think All-Star games are on the verge of going away.

 

[Desert_Power]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

 

[the moops]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

 

[Zow]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

 

[Zow]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

I'd still prefer to watch it over a show if it's competitive. For example, the NHL 4 nations thing has been must watch TV.

 

[Zow]

I think three big things are happening regarding pro sports AS games and the NBA's AS game/weekend in particular.

1. These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.
2. The quality has gone downhill a bit as the money in pro sports has made it increasingly difficult to get buy in from star players. The injury risk and just general lack of ability to recover during this week has made it a non-starter for most players to put in any effort. Specifically to the NBA, the level of effort during each game during the season has made the season a massive grind. This is a good week to get some rest, get some treatment and have a good time, but not a great time to put in a bunch of work prior to this final push towards the playoffs.
3. The novelty of the 3-point contest and dunk contest has warn off. The dunk contest used to be the draw but combined with #2 above, you get unknown players to the general public performing dunks they've already seen before.

#1 will never change. I think there is a possibility #2 could change to some level if they dropped the number of regular season games but I don't think that would have a huge effect. #3 has probably sailed as well. They could make some changes on the margins to make a better production but I think All-Star games are on the verge of going away.

Unless you can find a way to make the players care. See: first 9 seconds of USA v. Canada in the 4 nations tournament.

 

[Desert_Power]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

I'd still prefer to watch it over a show if it's competitive. For example, the NHL 4 nations thing has been must watch TV.

Is that their All Star thing? I agree that is pretty cool. I was confused that it was Rugby when I kept seeing it mentioned.

 

[Zow]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

I'd still prefer to watch it over a show if it's competitive. For example, the NHL 4 nations thing has been must watch TV.

Is that their All Star thing? I agree that is pretty cool. I was confused that it was Rugby when I kept seeing it mentioned.

I believe so, yes.

 

[Kev4029]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

 

[Capella]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

Also people are older now. They remember things from when they are young with reverence and so everything now has to suck. These all-star games were lightly played until the final 8 minutes 25 years ago too. Just nobody wants to remember that.

 

[thecatch]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

Also people are older now. They remember things from when they are young with reverence and so everything now has to suck. These all-star games were lightly played until the final 8 minutes 25 years ago too. Just nobody wants to remember that.

If they were playing seriously for 8 minutes these days, nobody (ok, very few) would be complaining.

 

[Zow]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

 

[SWC]

Heard a stat on a podcast which is bonkers. I'm too lazy to relisten to get exact numbers but...

DeMar DeRozan has taken something like 415 midrange jumpers this season. That is like 200 more than the 2nd place guy, SGA. But get this. That ~415 midrange jumpers in more than 10 teams have taken all season!

oh i am not surprised at all check this out and take to the no more bank shots brohan

shot distribution changes

 

[SWC]

also i apologize to the swc ethos for providing real information take that to the bank brohans

 

[Capella]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

Also people are older now. They remember things from when they are young with reverence and so everything now has to suck. These all-star games were lightly played until the final 8 minutes 25 years ago too. Just nobody wants to remember that.

If they were playing seriously for 8 minutes these days, nobody (ok, very few) would be complaining.

Of course they would be. Those teams actually played with effort two days ago lol.

 

[Kev4029]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

In a world in which people already complain that the regular season doesn't matter enough, putting any sort of emphasis on an exhibition game over the regular season seems doomed to have unintended consequences. Even if this got the desired effect in having players care a little bit, they won't be 100% invested, and just imagine the first time somebody like SGA or Mobley, one of whom would have home court if they made it to the finals, blows out a knee or something because the NBA is forcing them to play hard.

Bill Simmons often comes up with dumb ideas, that's kind of his shtick, but this is especially terrible all the way around.

 

[Zow]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

In a world in which people already complain that the regular season doesn't matter enough, putting any sort of emphasis on an exhibition game over the regular season seems doomed to have unintended consequences. Even if this got the desired effect in having players care a little bit, they won't be 100% invested, and just imagine the first time somebody like SGA or Mobley, one of whom would have home court if they made it to the finals, blows out a knee or something because the NBA is forcing them to play hard.

Bill Simmons often comes up with dumb ideas, that's kind of his shtick, but this is especially terrible all the way around.

Okay. Do you have a better suggestion to "save" the all-star game?

 

[the moops]

Heard a stat on a podcast which is bonkers. I'm too lazy to relisten to get exact numbers but...

DeMar DeRozan has taken something like 415 midrange jumpers this season. That is like 200 more than the 2nd place guy, SGA. But get this. That ~415 midrange jumpers in more than 10 teams have taken all season!

oh i am not surprised at all check this out and take to the no more bank shots brohan

shot distribution changes

That is beautiful

 

[Navin Johnson]

Heard a stat on a podcast which is bonkers. I'm too lazy to relisten to get exact numbers but...

DeMar DeRozan has taken something like 415 midrange jumpers this season. That is like 200 more than the 2nd place guy, SGA. But get this. That ~415 midrange jumpers in more than 10 teams have taken all season!

oh i am not surprised at all check this out and take to the no more bank shots brohan

shot distribution changes

The Vance Walberg Effect

 

[thecatch]

These things are not aimed specifically at the age demographic of both this board and the talking heads on TV - we also remember how much fun they were to watch when we were in our teens and maybe early 20s when we were more the correct demographic. The problem for the NBA is that that age group is not who the advertisers want.

Sportscenter used to help with this too. Those dead days before the All Star Games where they would show highlights from past years and otherwise talk up the event. Now the talking heads debate the latest tweet from @LebronFlopper69 on whether Air Jordan could have dunked over a Saturn Vue or something.

There is also just a million other things to watch. Back in the day it was all-star game or some ****ty reruns of something

Also people are older now. They remember things from when they are young with reverence and so everything now has to suck. These all-star games were lightly played until the final 8 minutes 25 years ago too. Just nobody wants to remember that.

If they were playing seriously for 8 minutes these days, nobody (ok, very few) would be complaining.

Of course they would be. Those teams actually played with effort two days ago lol.

I must have missed that when I watched the whole thing.

 

[thecatch]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

In a world in which people already complain that the regular season doesn't matter enough, putting any sort of emphasis on an exhibition game over the regular season seems doomed to have unintended consequences. Even if this got the desired effect in having players care a little bit, they won't be 100% invested, and just imagine the first time somebody like SGA or Mobley, one of whom would have home court if they made it to the finals, blows out a knee or something because the NBA is forcing them to play hard.

Bill Simmons often comes up with dumb ideas, that's kind of his shtick, but this is especially terrible all the way around.

I think we've overcorrected in terms of injury avoidance but I agree that Simmons's idea is terrible.

 

[Yo Mama]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

In a world in which people already complain that the regular season doesn't matter enough, putting any sort of emphasis on an exhibition game over the regular season seems doomed to have unintended consequences. Even if this got the desired effect in having players care a little bit, they won't be 100% invested, and just imagine the first time somebody like SGA or Mobley, one of whom would have home court if they made it to the finals, blows out a knee or something because the NBA is forcing them to play hard.

Bill Simmons often comes up with dumb ideas, that's kind of his shtick, but this is especially terrible all the way around.

Okay. Do you have a better suggestion to "save" the all-star game?

- Make it US vs the world
- have the game on Saturday so the players involved get an extra day off and it’s less of a commitment
- get rid of the TNT crew and especially Kevin Hart
- present it as an exhibition game between the best players on earth and use it as an opportunity to promote those players, not to promote your debate personalities, not try to make it a comedy show (treat it more seriously, but still acknowledge it’s an exhibition)

To me, the problem isn’t necessarily the game, it’s how it is presented. Promote/present the actual basketball and the players. Get rid of the “comedy” and entertainment aspects that have been slathered all over the events (it’s what’s killed the dunk contest for me too more than the top players not participating).

 

[SWC]

the all star game should never ever ever have any impact on anything playoff related i mean how can you have guys not on your actual team deciding anything about your teams fortunes thats just dumb if you want the thing to be competitive you need to get the commissioner and hell maybe some guys like mike jordan and chuck etc to get to guys like steph labron anteater and wemby and so on and tell them to play full on for the time they are on the court tell them that they dont want thier reputation to be as the guys that ruined the all star game and get them to put some pride in it the minute some of the leaders take it serious again it will change it has to be player driven take that to the bank bromigos

 

[Kev4029]

Bill Simmons had a somewhat interesting idea to "fix" all-star weekend. His suggestion was to have one game on Saturday with the dunk contest and then a second game on Sunday with the 3 point contest. The Sunday game would be comprised of teams of 8 with all but one player having to be on a top 5 team in each conference with the winning team's conference getting home court in the NBA finals. The Saturday game would consist of the remaining 8 players playing against a Rising Star team with cash on the line. Refusal to play by an all-star would result in a forever ban from being an all-star.

Probably wouldn't work, but seems like a better idea than what we have now.

The first bold - the MLB did that and I'm pretty sure it was universally hated.

The second bold - That sounds like a perfect way to get zero real all-stars ever again. I'm guessing the majority of veteran all-stars would prefer to never have to participate in this week ever again. When you are guys like Lebron, Curry, Durant, Lillard, Jokic, Giannis, etc., a week off to be with family and get some rest would probably be much preferred.

I don't disagree with you as I stated it probably wouldn't work. But, I do think we're at a boiling point and therefore Simmons' nuclear option doesn't seem like the worst idea ever.

I think the reason that the MOLB's version of winner get to host the World Series failed was because too many players didn't have a realistic shot of that mattering and, given just how baseball works, the format failed to incentivize managers to get all players some playing time. In contrast, Simmons' suggestions of requiring the players be from the top 5 teams from each conference and just a roster of 8 seems to alleviate the two issues that caused the idea to fail in the MLB.

In a world in which people already complain that the regular season doesn't matter enough, putting any sort of emphasis on an exhibition game over the regular season seems doomed to have unintended consequences. Even if this got the desired effect in having players care a little bit, they won't be 100% invested, and just imagine the first time somebody like SGA or Mobley, one of whom would have home court if they made it to the finals, blows out a knee or something because the NBA is forcing them to play hard.

Bill Simmons often comes up with dumb ideas, that's kind of his shtick, but this is especially terrible all the way around.

Okay. Do you have a better suggestion to "save" the all-star game?

Don't save it. The players hate it and the fans have been lukewarm on it for a while. For me personally, my life would not be affected at all if it just went away and I'm a top 5% NBA fan. Clearly the NBA makes money off of it or it would have been cancelled years ago, so they want to save it, but I think sooner rather than later they'll do something like the Pro Bowl and get rid of the game and keep some of the festivities.

FWIW, I watched some of it live this year for the first time in 5 +/- years and thought all of it was fine. It's a bummer they can't get top talent to the dunk contest, but otherwise the play quality all around was acceptable. Some of the presentation (Kevin Hart, too many commercials, Mr. Beast - I give them a pass here as he is huge with Gen Alpha and young Gen Z) was trash, but that is continuously refined as they try to find a way to get more eyes on something that nobody cares about.