US vs foreign all-star game

[KiwiMatt]

I think that would be a great idea - USA vs the World.

At the moment it's a declining product. I tried watching a bit of it yesterday, but ended up turning it off at half time. At least reformatting it like that will make it more competitive and interesting. I would guarantee viewing numbers would increase especially with international audiences.

[FNG]

I think that would be a great idea - USA vs the World.

At the moment it's a declining product. I tried watching a bit of it yesterday, but ended up turning it off at half time. At least reformatting it like that will make it more competitive and interesting. I would guarantee viewing numbers would increase especially with international audiences.

That's where I am, kiwi. As Q said, it would have a Ryder Cup feel to it, and that is always a great event. I can envision American flags and USA chants in the stands, as well as fans of the foreign players waving their country's flags. I would have the fans pick the first five players on each side, but then allow the coaches to pick the rest, focusing on guys who are goning to play hard. And I would have the NBA name the coaches...get a couple hard asses who won't put up with a player loafing on defense. How about KG as one of the coaches?

Anyway, absent my plan, I agree with those who suggest they get rid of the game altogether and just have the events, if anything. Abe said decisions are driven by money, and he's right. But how long are advertisers going to support an event that pisses people off. We have some very avid NBA fans here, but I don't think many of us gave the game any more than a passing glance. Heck, nobody here even cares that KAT had 50 points! Listening to NBA Radio today, not one caller or host had a positive thing to say about the game.

By the way, Justin Termine made a very good point over the weekend. He said the NBA had three product improvement goals this season, and they hit on two of them.

1) The in-season tournament to increase interest during the mid-year doldrums. Home run
2) The 65-game rule to limit load management. Very successful.
3) Improve the all-star game. Failure

I expect Silver to do something completely different next year with All-Star weekend.