One of the most entertaining parts of the NBA season is the annual All-Star game, which has been decided by two captains that draft their teams weeks before the game. That format is changing in a way that may make the festivities even more interesting for fans.
The NBA released a statement on Tuesday that detailed that the draft will now happen ahead of the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 19 in a live pregame segment on TNT.
For the first time, the NBA All-Star Draft will take place right before the game. The two team captains will draft the team rosters from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference.
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2023
It has still not been determined who the captains will be at this point, but Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo are currently leading their respective conference in the third returns of All-Star game voting.
LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their respective conferences in the third fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each. pic.twitter.com/nqNZqkeVJw
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 19, 2023
This change is certainly interesting considering the captains will need to draft their teammates just hours before playing together on the court.
It seems like the NBA world is in favor of this change, making it feel like much more of a pickup basketball game which fans can relate to.
About time. Make the players walk over to each team like a real pickup game https://t.co/4U2Qkknj2W
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) January 25, 2023
This is such a good touch that really taps into the pick-up game aspect.
It also opens the door to some potential messiness lol https://t.co/JKxdu8VqC6
— Jeffrey L. Wilson (@jeffreylwilson) January 25, 2023
This is a super fun change. Love it. https://t.co/rcxWHAImYL
— Alexander Grant (@AlexGrantOz) January 25, 2023
Everyone needs to be in the room. This needs to be done playground style. Let's see who takes this personally. https://t.co/tcjM93jbzE
— Philip Rossman-Reich (@philiprr_OMD) January 25, 2023
It will ultimately depend on how TNT goes about putting together this segment, but the idea of captains drafting their teams just ahead of playing on the court is creative and could be extremely entertaining.
This year’s All-Star weekend is taking place in Salt Lake City this year, which will include the yearly Slam Dunk Contest, 3-Point Contest, and Skills Challenge on Feb. 18.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.