The annual tradition of rewarding players that rank high in personal brand popularity All-Star starting spots may have finally come to an end this season.
The NBA All-Star Game has always been an annual treat for the loyal fans of the league. Showcasing the NBA's best stars from the first half of the season while rewarding fading veterans who have given their best in the past for the league's future to grow. The other aspect that has been constantly debated is the fan voted popular star who may have either underperformed or been injured most of the season but brand's popularity garnered enough votes to start.
This year's crop of starters were put together not purely by the fan vote but the collected efforts of the coaches and media. This …show more content…
Hardaway played in only 13 games heading into the 1998 All-Star game due to injury while in 2003, Carter appeared in only 12 but went on to famously give his starting spot away to then retiring Michael Jordan.
The victims of this new voting procedure and overall outlook on the NBA All-Star starters position would have to be Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Dwyane Wade of the Chicago Bulls. Both players have multiple All-Star starting appearances to their merit but have both hit the decline in production and efficiency overtime. In the past their name recognition has fueled them into starting positions on the team as Wade was second for a majority of the fan voting regardless of the fact that he is not having as impressive of a season.
As much of a possible business drag this may end up being for the NBA it is the right decision for the pure competition factor. We may miss out on new fancy sneaker debuts from the stars who use this time to showcase products on a national level. Who could forget Shaquille O'Neal selling us all on the idea of his "Shoe Cell Phone" during All-Star weekend
The NBA All-Star Game has always been an annual treat for the loyal fans of the league. Showcasing the NBA's best stars from the first half of the season while rewarding fading veterans who have given their best in the past for the league's future to grow. The other aspect that has been constantly debated is the fan voted popular star who may have either underperformed or been injured most of the season but brand's popularity garnered enough votes to start.
This year's crop of starters were put together not purely by the fan vote but the collected efforts of the coaches and media. This …show more content…
Hardaway played in only 13 games heading into the 1998 All-Star game due to injury while in 2003, Carter appeared in only 12 but went on to famously give his starting spot away to then retiring Michael Jordan.
The victims of this new voting procedure and overall outlook on the NBA All-Star starters position would have to be Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Dwyane Wade of the Chicago Bulls. Both players have multiple All-Star starting appearances to their merit but have both hit the decline in production and efficiency overtime. In the past their name recognition has fueled them into starting positions on the team as Wade was second for a majority of the fan voting regardless of the fact that he is not having as impressive of a season.
As much of a possible business drag this may end up being for the NBA it is the right decision for the pure competition factor. We may miss out on new fancy sneaker debuts from the stars who use this time to showcase products on a national level. Who could forget Shaquille O'Neal selling us all on the idea of his "Shoe Cell Phone" during All-Star weekend