NBA returns to East vs. West format for All-Star Game

NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the move part of the season's them of getting "back to basketball." 

In front of a banner advertising the 2024 All-Star Game in Indianapolis, Silver said, "We thought it was time, since we're coming back to such a traditional market for basketball, that we return to the classic format for the All-Star Game." 

The league was unhappy with the ratings and public reception for last season's All-Star Game. The non-competitive game got a 2.2 rating, down from 3.1 the year before, and 4.3 in the first year of the captain-pick era in 2018. 

Now. they're making changes to the rosters and to the format of the game itself, abandoning the "Elam ending" format that started in 2020, when teams played to a certain final score in the fourth quarter, and going back to a regular, 48-minute game.

Overall, the All-Star Game lacked stakes, and was simply way too complicated. It's hard for viewers or players to care if "Team LeBron" or "Team Giannis" wins the exhibition, or even remember who was on each team. 

The special All-Star-specific jerseys didn't help, with player's last names located at waist level. It felt like the league was responding to complaints from basketball die-hards online, especially the "Elam Ending" portion, while alienating casual fans.

Last year was an even more extreme example, with team captains drafting their teams right before the game. At least the previous drafts took places days before the game, so fans at least had a few days to learn who would be on each team. 

It's one thing not to care about the outcome — all professional sports have this problem in All-Star Games — but at least fans need to be able to tell which team is which.

In fact, one writer suggested the league should return to the old All-Star uniforms.

The All-Star Game is supposed to be a showcase for the league, for fans both serious and casual. Why not make it as easy as possible to follow? 

After all, every NBA team already has multiple alternate jerseys for the regular season. Are they really making much money selling All-Star jerseys, which are rarely attractive?

The NBA is simplifying the All-Star Game. Next step? They should increase the prize money for the dunk contest.