NBA commissioner Adam Silver didn’t hide his feelings after Sunday’s record-setting 2024 NBA All-Star Game that saw both teams combine for 397 points with more missed half-court shots than defensive effort. If Silver wants the effort to improve, it appears players want the league to show them the money.
The NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis kicked off its biggest festivities on Saturday with the Slam Dunk Contest, an event that used to be a fan-favorite for years. However, outside of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, the only notable players involved in the dunk contest were there to serve as props and supporters in dunks.
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It resulted in a lifeless atmosphere at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night. While fans in attendance were either silent or showered boo birds on the competition, NBA fans on social media were far more vocal about the dunk contest being “dead” and needing to be replaced.
In what was supposed to be a critical weekend to improve interest and competitiveness on All-Star Weekend, Silver and league officials got the opposite. The Eastern Conference score 200 points for the first time in NBA All-Star Game history, prompting an unenthusiastic and sarcastic comment from Silver in the post-game trophy presentation.
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“And to the Eastern Conference All-Stars, you scored the most points. Well … congratulations.”
Adam Silver to Eastern Conference players after 2024 NBA All-Star Game
Heading into All-Star Weekend, the NBA emphasized a message of improved competitiveness and even brought in all-time greats to try and drive home that message to players. If the NBA wants it to improve, however, it seems there is only one motivation that will work.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, league sources shared that players have talked privately about their desire to get paid for competing in the NBA All-Star Game.
“It’s a break. I don’t think nobody wants to come here and compete.”
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards on the lack of effort in the NBA All-Star Game
Many of the highest-paid NBA players already have contract incentives and extensions tied specifically to All-Star appearances, but that evidently isn’t enough. If the NBA wants their biggest stars to put any effort into the game itself, there needs to be more money on the line.
- Anthony Edwards contract: Eligible for a 5-year, $204.45 million contract extension
At a time when the NBA is already struggling to maintain its popularity with interest in All-Star Weekend falling off dramatically over the years, it’s clear effort for what used to be a fan-friendly event will require even more money being paid to NBA players.
