By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Echoing a recent reaction of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum addressed the need for changes in the format of the annual All-Star Game.
Tatum, 53, is in Senegal attending the Basketball Africa League, a joint effort between the NBA and FIBA launching its third season as the top-tier league of the continent.
The 2023 All-Star Game was on the receiving end of negative comments on the level of competition, including the Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone putting the label of the ‘worst basketball game ever played,’ after his participation as the Team LeBron play-caller in Salt Lake City.
“We have to look at the All-Star game and make some tweaks and continue to ensure that it’s an entertaining product for the fans out there,” Tatum confessed to ESPN, “At the same time, we have to be cautious. It is an exhibition game, so we don’t want players getting hurt during that game.”
The league and the NBPA have been discussing potential changes, he confirmed.
“Understand, there’s a balance there. It’s something that we’re looking at, and having conversations, by the way, with the players, on things that we might be able to do differently next year,” said Tatum.
The next exhibition game featuring the best NBA players, the 2024 All-Star Game is scheduled to be held in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. The previous All-Star Game in Indianapolis was held in Hoosier Dome and dates back to 1985.
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