73rd NBA All Star Game Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball against the Western Conference All-Stars during the third quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Disappointment seems to hang heavy after the underwhelming NBA All-Star Game.

Fans and experts alike are expressing apathy, mirroring what they perceived as a lack of effort from the players themselves. Sportswriters like Bob Ryan denounce the game as a “farce,” while respected journalist David Aldridge delivers the harshest critique, branding it “irredeemable.”

With nearly 30 years spent chronicling the NBA and other sports at media giants like Turner, ESPN, and the Washington Post, The Athletic’s David Aldridge has witnessed countless All-Star Games. However, this past weekend’s affair was, in his words, “irredeemable.”

The burden of carrying the sport’s excitement in an exhibition setting shouldn’t rest solely on the players’ shoulders. Still, their perceived lack of effort begs the question: if the spectacle doesn’t engage them, how can it genuinely engage the fans?

That’s the question Aldridge seemingly asked before suggesting it might be time to end the game altogether.

“That was dreadful. Again. I am beginning to think this game is irredeemable,” Aldridge wrote on his Twitter/X page. “I am not sure why even minimal defense effort is beyond this generation of All-Stars. But it may be time to end this game if they can’t give more of a damn than that.”

Many others shared that same sentiment, mainly agreeing with Aldridge’s comments.

On the other hand, there was some pushback to the suggestion that this was a new phenomenon.

This year’s All-Star Game may serve as a wake-up call, highlighting potential issues beyond blaming the players. Commissioner Adam Silver’s concerns and legendary voices like Aldridge calling for reform suggest it’s time to explore deeper solutions.

Instead of drastic measures, perhaps this can be a catalyst for positive change. Examining the format, analyzing incentives and even introducing innovative elements could rekindle the competitive spirit and fan engagement the event deserves.

But until something is done, concerns about the All-Star Game’s format and engagement will persist.

[David Aldridge]

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.