When the NBA decided on a new format for the All-Star Game, many were unsure (and still are) about the concept. A four-team tournament to determine a champion at the end of the night left many fans confused, and as we approach the game, it seems they’re not the only ones.
Players have been pretty vocal so far on the format changes, with some in support, while others were not as supportive. Under this new format, the Rising Stars challenge winner advanced to All-Star Sunday as the fourth team in the four-team tournament to crown an All-Star winner.
Draymond Green Criticizes The Rising Stars Addition
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, a former All-Star himself, feels that the concept of adding the fourth team to the mix takes away from the validity of what it means to truly be All-Stars.
“These young guys, if they’re on the Rising Stars team, they don’t deserve the privilege of playing on Sunday.”
Green does raise a valid point, as the concept of the All-Star Game is to see the best of the best compete against each other. While many of the Rising Stars are likely to become All-Stars in their own right, there’s no guarantee. For some, this could end up as their only brush with the All-Star Game. For that reason, I understand Green’s stance.
On the other side of the argument, I feel that this wouldn’t have been a discussion if the All-Star Game had remained competitive and exciting the last few years. With the NBA All-Star Game becoming more of a glorified pick-up game than a full-fledged competition, this new format and measure was done to instill some new life into the weekend.
Could The Rising Stars Upset the All-Stars?
While the concerns are valid about this new All-Star format, there is the elephant in the room that could arise when the tournament takes place. What if the Rising Stars are able to shock the world and pull off the victory?
Given the star power of the three All-Star teams, it doesn’t seem likely. But with this being a single-elimination tournament, anything can happen.
If this tournament proves to be lackluster, will the NBA consider revamping the All-Star Game again? It seems that for the last 10 years, the league has desperately sought new ways for the game to be exciting, or at the very least, competitive.
If this tournament is not an all-around success, I’m sure Adam Silver and the NBA will face more questions in the future.
Maybe Green is right. Maybe the Rising Stars don’t deserve to take the floor against the All-Stars just yet. Maybe it’s too soon for that. However, if the Rising Stars make the games close or win the entire thing, what will Green have to say in response?
