We have some good news for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Depending on how the captains decide to select their teams, the two star players may never have to be teammates in an NBA All-Star Game again.
On Tuesday, the NBA announced that it is tweaking its All-Star Game format and will now have two designated team captains select the players for their teams — regardless of which conference the players are in. Fans, players and media will still vote for the 12 players from the Eastern and Western Conferences that will take part in the event, but player captains will be responsible for compiling each team’s roster. The first 10 players voted in will still be starters.
Players union president Chris Paul is one of the people who has been credited with coming up with the new format, which will be similar to the one the NFL now uses with the Pro Bowl.
“I’m thrilled with what the players and the league have done to improve the All-Star Game, which has been a priority for all of us,” Paul said, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. “We’re looking forward to putting on an entertaining show in L.A.”
The NBA also announced that each team will be able to choose a charity where donations from the game will be directed.
The captains format will certainly have the potential to add some drama, as teammates can now end up on different teams in the All Star-Game and player rivalries could come into play when the rosters are chosen. If you’re into gimmicks, this one’s for you.
