Making the All-Star Game Worth Winning

[Joe Urtz <joe_urtz@harvard.edu>]

	Is there some way to make the NBA All-Star Game more relevant?  As we are
all painfully aware, players mostly coast through the All-Star contest,
tying to avoid injuries.  Real hoop fans find these games rather boring and
meaningless.

	Well, what if the winning All-Star squad actually earned the right of home
court advantage for the team that eventually represents that conference in
the NBA Finals?  Let's say, if the West All-Stars win, the home court
advantage in the Finals would belong go to the Western Conference team that
reaches the Finals.  Do you think this would add a little interest and
intensity to the game?

	Currently, the NBA team with the best regular season record gains the home
court advantage in the Finals.  Now the home court advantage would be
fought over during the All-Star game.  The best players in each conference
would be seen pulling toghether to make sure the home court edge in the
Finals would belong to their conference.

	Of course, this plan would diminish the importance of having the best
regular season Won-Lost record.  Teams that finish with the best record in
each conference would still gain home court advantage, but only up until
the Finals.

	Any thoughts on this?  Do you think most players would be opposed to the
concept?  Seems like it would do wonders for the All-Star game.

Regards,
Joe