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The new NBA All-Star format is a welcomed change

By Sanjesh Singh

NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 19: A close up shot of the Official NBA Spalding All-Star basketball during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game on February 19, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 19: A close up shot of the Official NBA Spalding All-Star basketball during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game on February 19, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The new all-star format announcement came today, and it spices things up for NBA All-Star Weekend 2018. The change is what the NBA needed!

On Oct. 3, the NBA announced that it is switching up the format for its All-Star game. They have disposed of the regular, boring East vs. West matchup and replaced it with captains. The two players with the highest amount of fan votes from each conference receive the right to captain their respective squad. The two captains could then pick from the rest of the 22 players, regardless of the conference. How amazing is that?! The fans, media, and players still have the power to vote for the ten starters, while the coaches will still be able to choose the 14 reserves. There could be more to the new format, but we will have to wait and see.

Unique

The first reason why the new format grabbed my attention is that it is different. I can’t speak for all, but to me, the East vs. West game got pretty boring. The West always had the influx of talent, while the East could mainly boast LeBron. This year, the West was even more stacked which I’ll eventually discuss. Back on topic, this new format gives fans something new to look forward to, and I’m sure that everyone is champing at the bits to see who is the captains and how that player’s selections play out. While additional parameters could factor into the mix in this game, it’s certainly refreshing for all parties that there are no more East vs. West games, at least for now.

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Unpredictable

The exciting aspect of this match is that nothing is guaranteed. With the way the votes can go, we will for sure have snubs and unworthy scrubs. I tried to make it rhyme, but you get the point. I don’t want to see guys like Zaza Pachulia in the game but hey, it’s unpredictable, and it adds to the uniqueness of the format. Many people have been talking about potential matchups and pairings we could potentially witness. I don’t know if any Kings players will receive the required votes, but it would be interesting to see if Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are on the same team. Perchance, maybe even LeBron James and Kyrie Irving could get a chance to reunite, although Irving may not be too ecstatic about that. Even crazier, what if Stephen Curry and LeBron were on the same team? There are a plethora of ways that this game can go and if they add more it could only add on to the fun!

The Wrap-Up

The changes to the NBA All-Star game were on point. It could attract more viewers, but one downfall is that the West will for sure have plenty of snubs. The talent in the West is by far way stronger than the East. I think most people would enjoy it if it were the 24 highest voted players, regardless of conference. The two players who received the most votes would then pick their squads, and there would be fewer snubs!

Next: Kings projected depth chart for the upcoming season

How do you fans like this new concept of the All-Star game? Is it exciting? Will you still watch the game? Tweet at us to let us know your feedback.  Thanks for reading here on A Royal Pain!

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