The NBA has announced a major change for the All-Star Game - they are ditching the traditional East vs West format. The change will go into effect this season.
This will mark the NBA’s first All-Star Game without a matchup between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
According the press release via NBA.com, two captains, one from each conference, will be determined based upon who receives the most fan votes in his conference. Those captains will then draft the 2018 All-Star teams from the pool of players who were voted as starters and reserves, making selections without regard for conference affiliation.
As for the All-Star selection process, things will remain the same.
12 players from each conference will be chosen for the All-Star spots. The 10 starters – two guards and three frontcourt players per conference – will continue to be chosen by a combination of fans (50% of the vote), current players (25%) and basketball media (25%).
The NBA’s head coaches will still select the 14 reserves, voting for two guards, three frontcourt players and two players at any position in their respective conferences. Specific details about the draft will be announced at a later date.
Last season, LeBron James led fan voting in the East while Stephen Curry was the leading vote-getter in the West. The All-Star voting will reportedly begin on Christmas Day.
NBAPA President Chris Paul said he is "thrilled" with the change.
“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,” said NBPA President Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets. “We’re looking forward to putting on an entertaining show in L.A.”
Additionally, the 2018 All-Star teams will play for charity this season. Since the All-Star Game is being held in Los Angeles this season, each team will select a Los Angeles-area charity or national organization where donations will be used to support local efforts.
The 67th All-Star Game will be played at Staples Center on Sunday, February 18th starting at 8 p.m. ET. For the 16th consecutive year, the All-Star festivities will be aired on TNT.