NBA reportedly discussing yet another change to All-Star Game format, and a possible Caitlin Clark cameo

It’s just not an NBA season without some fretting over the format of the All-Star game, and Adam Silver’s office once again came through on Friday.

This time, the NBA is floating a shift to a four-team tournament for the 2025 All-Star Game, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Three of those teams would reportedly consist of eight All-Stars each, while the remaining team would be the winner of the Rising Stars game.

Essentially, it sounds like the league either wants to adopt the format of the Rising Stars Challenge, which is currently a four-team tournament, or flip the formats with the All-Star Game. The NHL has also used this four-team tournament for its All-Star Game since 2016.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 16 at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center.

Caitlin Clark could appear at 2025 NBA All-Star festivities

Warriors star Stephen Curry is reportedly one of the All-Stars providing input on how to change the All-Star Game, and is also in talks to bring back his NBA versus WNBA three-point challenge alongside Sabrina Ionescu.

ESPN reports there would be some variation of that event which could include other NBA and WNBA players, with Klay Thompson and Caitlin Clark specifically mentioned. You can bet the NBA would be happy to feature the WNBA’s league-altering superstar.

Why this All-Star Game change might work

You don’t need an explanation for why the NBA would do this if you have watched a recent All-Star Game. It should be a marquee event for the star-studded league, but is instead a high-scoring slog in which players openly allow each other to score for the benefit of their highlight reel. Last year’s game had a final score of 211-186.

There have been calls to make the games more competitive (read: have the players actually play defense) and this format might help in that regard for one reason: the Rising Stars team.

Teams featuring LeBron James and Kevin Durant might let each other do what they want, but it might be different if one of those teams is facing a team of rookies and sophomores. It comes down to pride for these guys, and the idea of losing to a 20-year-old might actually move…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-11-15 22:47:00

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