WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE NBA ALL-STAR GAME?
- Burgess Matthews
- Feb 16, 2015
- 2 min read
The NBA All-Star Game took place in the Mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden, and saw the West overcome the East, 163-158. In a record breaking game, Russell Westbrook was deservedly voted the MVP, scoring 41 points, just one shy of Wilt Chamberlain's record. However, as I sat and watched, I couldn't help but think of how much better the all-star game could have been.
My biggest problem with the all-star game is that it's not played as a competitive game. It has the potential to be one of the best games of the year. It is one of the few times that this many elite players are on the same court, playing against each other, and it just feels like a wasted opportunity.
I understand it's a game where the players have fun and put on a show for the fans, and don't get me wrong they do put on a great show, it's just the game lacks meaning. When I see the fantastic plays that all-star game is renowned for, all I can think is that the opposing team is just letting them happen, and it takes away from the experience. The game lacks emotion and all I can think is how much better it would be if they played competitively for the whole game.
Another problem I have with the all-star game is the selection process. Fans should not be able to select the all-stars. Fans can't be trusted. Too many times players who are undeserving of a place on the all-star team are selected due to their reputation, and as a result a deserving player has missed out. The Kobe Bryant's and Carmelo Anthony's of the world are prime examples of this. Now, there is no denying that these players are all-star talents, it's just that barring injury, they are essentially guaranteed to make the all-star team, no matter how bad they play. It's something that gets on my nerves, and in my opinion, would not be a problem if NBA players voted instead of the fans.
In reality, I understand that the all-star game will never be a competitive game, but I do hope that they make changes to the current selection system, as it is something that can easily be addressed.
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