Hinting “Potential Changes” to All-Star Game Format, NBA Commissioner Drops Major Bombshell on Stephen A. Smith’s First Take

On Tuesday, the ESPN show, ‘First Take’ was all about the NBA. The show’s host, Stephen A. Smith, sat down with the NBA commissioner to discuss some “potential changes.” As the interview was being televised, Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner who took over the league in 2014, dropped a dime on some of the changes in the format for the All-Star Game. With this, it looks like history is repeating itself.

Known for always making a strong case for reform, Adam Silver has hinted at a major change in the All-Star game format. Silver hinted that the existing system, in which the top vote-getters skipper draft their own teams and choose their own lineups, might be abandoned. The replacement? “Maybe a return to something more traditional.” If what Silver said is true, the original structure of the East vs. West format for the All-Star Game is set to make a return.

Stephen A. Smith asks for a hint

It all started with Stephen A. Smith interviewing Adam Silver on the talk show. Smith made sure to ask Silver about many things. As the conversation developed, Silver hinted at the possible change. The clip was shared on the show’s Twitter account. The caption read, “NBA commissioner Adam Silver is considering a return to the East vs. West format for the All-Star game.”

Silver said, “I think we’ve lost sight a bit that it’s about the game at the end of the day. Again, Joe Dumars, a relatively new head of basketball operations, is very focused on it. We’re looking at some potential changes in format in Indianapolis this year…” Being the perfect interviewer, Smith asked, “…you could give us a hint..?”

That’s exactly when Silver hinted at the big change. “Maybe a return to something more traditional in terms of how the teams are presented. You know we went to throw this captain draft motion but clearly historical it was east vs west, so you know that’s something we are looking at. Maybe a bit of breaking news so…” As this made the headlines, one might point towards the why of the debate. What made Silver and others consider the change?

The need for change

During the initial NBA All-Star Games, the top players from each conference faced off in an East vs. West format. However, a different framework has been followed for the last six years. The top vote-getters select their teammates and act as captains. But with what Silver hinted, the past days might be making a return. Speaking to Smith, Silver discussed the need for such a change.

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He said, “A lot of it comes down to, I think, reinforcing with our players, in our teams how important this is for the fans. And… particularly with our players, they’re very coachable…you can’t take for granted…young players coming to league. They understand the generations…and traditions that came before them and I think this is where the league has to reinforce this…That’s what all started.” Having said that, Silver has made hints about the possible modification. As the significant news reached the fans through the show, gratitude is due to Smith and “First Take,” for having Adam Silver on.

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