Prior to the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, the event’s popularity was already waning, and it now desperately needs revitalization. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Larry Bird has a unique perspective on the decline of the All-Star Game, which he once graced with his mesmerizing performances.
Larry Bird Calls on Players to Step Up in the All-Star Game
The NBA’s All-Star Weekend has lost its former glory, a fact evident even without consulting TV ratings. The league has altered the event’s format, removing both the Draft and the Elam Ending, or “Final Target Score.” These changes suggest the league recognizes fan dissatisfaction and is attempting to address it. Fans can look forward to a return to the classic East vs. West format in a fully timed game for the first time since 2017.
However, Larry Bird, a Hall of Famer, 12-time NBA All-Star, and three-time NBA Champion, believes the issue is simpler. He urges players to improve their performance. “The one thing I would really like to see is they play hard tonight in this All-Star Game,” Bird said. “When you have the best players in the world together, you’ve gotta compete, and you’ve gotta play hard, and you’ve gotta show the fans how good they really are.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging last year’s poor showing and expecting a better performance in the current game.
#### What Can We Expect from the NBA All-Star Game?
The league has introduced several changes to the All-Star Game. The Elam Ending brought excitement by ensuring intense conclusions, particularly in its 2020 debut. However, the game’s appeal has diminished since, leading the NBA to abandon the format introduced just four years ago.
There are suggestions to further revitalize the game, such as creating a Team USA vs. Internationals All-Star format or offering a larger prize for the winners. However, these changes may only provide temporary interest unless players fulfill their primary role: playing hard for the fans. As Larry Bird emphasized, the key to a successful All-Star Game lies in the players’ effort and dedication.
