This year’s NBA All-Star Game wrap-up

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The carnival that has become the NBA All-Star Game is now in the history book. Here are my various thoughts and reflections on the contest.

From the eyes of those who have seen NBA All-Star Classics, I can unequivocally state that the entertainment vehicle, the National Basketball Association, is alive and thriving. Years ago, the NBA All-Star event was a one-day event. Today, it is a weekend event. `

In the past, the names of Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Bob Pettit, Walt Frazier and other legends of the game put on their version of a show to promote the National Basketball Association brand. Back then, teams comprised players from the Eastern and Western Conferences. There was immense pride in the conference that won. And believe it or not, both teams played serious defense.

As television has grown the game over the past 50 years, with more money for players, there was the sense that the game was just an exhibition contest, not to be taken too seriously.

Jayson Taytum scores two points for Shaq’s OG All-Star Team. PHOTO: NBA

Defense became a curse word for the current generation of NBA stars, many of whom grew up watching Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Kevin McHale. The general consensus was the NBA All-Star Game had grown stale.

Enter the gimmick-promotion factor presented by the late David Stern, the longtime commissioner of the NBA. During interviews with Stern, who saw the game and its history, I understood his vision of continually growing the game.

As Stern explained, “You have to move with the times. You can’t stand still. If you do, your product will die. I have the greatest respect for men like Bill Russell, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and other great players who grew the game. But it will always be a game to be played by young athletes from all parts of the world.”

This man built the NBA into its current global entity. A seminal moment for the league came with the “Dream Team” in the 1992 Olympic Games. That team raised the popularity of pro basketball to new heights worldwide.

An interview with the late Bill Russell, who won an Olympic gold medal in 1956, echoed the sentiments of Stern. Russell said, “It is the highest of honors to compete against the best of your peers. In my day, we played for very little money but a great sense of pride. Over the years, I have tried to explain that to every young player that has come into the NBA. As a whole, I think most of them got my message. With today’s players making so much money, it is easy to lose focus on the importance of the All-Star Game. But it is an invaluable tool to market the NBA Game.”

Donovan Mitchell of Team Chuck shoots over James Harden of Team Shaq. PHOTO: NBA

The great Oscar Roberston, the Most Valuable Player of the 1964 NBA All-Star Classic, who had a front-row seat for the game, said, “The All-Star Game is still important.”

San Francisco was the site of this year’s NBA All-Star Game, a return to the City by the Bay after 25 years. The only real down note came during the first night’s telecast when people in a live audience setting booed when the subject of helping the homeless came up. Shame on every one of those people who hooted during the discussion of such an important issue.

The promotional aspect of this event is considered a huge success. Mac McClung became one of the headline performers by winning the slam dunk competition for a record third straight time. McClung, who plays in the NBA G-League, outdid his NBA counterparts, scoring a perfect 50 points on all his dunks and proving that there are some white men who can dunk.

This year, there weren’t two All-Star teams representing the East and West Conferences, there were three. Plus, a fourth team was added, made up of rookies and second-year players challenging the main All-Stars to play harder.

Golden State Warriors super star guard Stephen Curry was named the Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player, his second All-Game MVP Award in the revised 40-point edition of the game, which may or may not catch on. “I am truly honored to win this award in front of my hometown crowd and to share this honor with my teammates,” said Curry.

“I enjoy being an NBA All-Star,” said Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum. “This and NBA championships are what I have worked for my entire career.”

Celtic All-Star Jalen Brown, who, after winning the NBA Conference and Finals MVP Awards during the Celtic’s march to their 18th NBA title, is finally receiving his long overdue recognition for his spectacular talent. “Being an NBA All-Star is one of the highest honors to be bestowed on a player in this League. I don’t take that lightly,” said Brown. “This is what I do for a living, and I want to be considered among the best players in my generation. I will always consider it an honor and privilege to play in the NBA All-Star Game and will play hard every time I am selected.”

To the NBA’s credit, raising millions of dollars to support various community charitable causes is a great idea. In that vein, this year’s NBA All-Star Game was a successful event. However, questions remain, such as why LeBron, who was selected for his 21st NBA All-Star Game, waited until the last minute before claiming groin and ankle injuries, leaving NBA Commissioner Adam Silver little time to name a replacement.

Another question is why would Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards reject the idea of being the up-and-coming face of the league? “I don’t want to be the face of the NBA,” said Edwards. “They got ‘Wemby’ (Victor Wembanyama) for that. I just want to play ball, destroy my opponents, and go home.” That is a sorry answer and attitude from one of the games’ best young star players.

Due to sagging television ratings, the NBA continues to search for ways, many say gimmicks, to market its brand, its players and its games globally. This year’s game comprised only 30 minutes of actual playing time with the rest of the broadcast filed with commercials and celebrities. The league needs to find some answers out there soon.