His discussion with Chris Paul had the effect of a trigger. After his exchange with the Warriors leader, Adam Silver said he took “ the responsibility » of the lack of intensity observed for years at the All-Star Game.
“CP3” explained to the big boss of the league that all the distractions before the match, and at halftime of the all-star meeting, were disrupting their routines and their concentration.
“ You tell us how important the All-Star Game is, but then you change all of our pregame protocols so that we’re not following our usual routines, because you have these elaborate presentations. We’re not complaining. We understand why you do it, but then you expect us to be in the mindset of a classic match “, lamented the veteran, according to comments reported by the commission himself, and picked up by ESPN.
It is true that these presentations of the players, much longer to mark the event, have little to do with those of a normal context. From there to explain the general lack of intensity by this single factor… Adam Silver nevertheless considers that “ contradictory signals » are sent to players.
Shorter introductions
“ If we want players to treat this as a real match… It’s not about the intensity of the Finals, it’s just a match for fun. But if we want players to view it as such, we need to do the same. This therefore means that the introduction will have to be a little shorter and that the half-time will have to be a little more classic », Fixes the manager, who does not want halftime of an All-Star Game to take on the appearance of a Super Bowl.
This development will be in effect from the next edition, in February 2024 in Indiana. The 73rd edition of the All-Star Game will also be marked by the return to the historic format of a clash between East and West, with the elimination of the “Elam Ending” (to reach a certain score in the last quarter to take it away).
Although Adam Silver recognizes that returning to the old format will not guarantee more intensity, he is optimistic about the improvement of this event, supposed to be one of the showcases of the league.
“ This doesn’t necessarily mean they will defend hard. That might be the case at the end of the fourth quarter. It means guys are saying, ‘It’s a game, let’s try to win it.’ We need to send this message clearly to players », Finishes the boss of the league.
