The NBA updated the format for the All-Star game this season. The new schedule includes four teams and three games instead of the customary one-game Sunday night. But not everyone, like Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers, has reacted favorably to the adjustment.
George discussed his opinions on the new format in a new edition of his podcast, “Podcast P with Paul George,” which was released on Monday.
“We already had a hard time with one game; how are we going to have three All-Star Games? We had a hard enough time trying to get everyone to compete at a high level playing in one game,” George said. “So I just don’t understand how; I guess it’s a shorter number to play to, so I guess that’s the competitive part about it. It’s competing to get to, I think it’s 40 or something like that.”
“But yeah, I just don’t like the format; if we’re not going to go out and compete and be competitive, then I think it’s still just wasting time.”
George might not experience the new format with how he’s played for the Sixers this season. He’s played 19 games, averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The All-Star forward saw some difficulties early in the season, mostly as a result of his injuries.
Analytics ruined the game, according to Paul George
This season, the NBA is seeing a drop in viewership, and various factors have been cited as causes. However, Paul George believes that analytics is to blame, which also ruined the way the game is being played.
“Analytics kind of took over the game being played,” George said. “Coaches want three-pointers, or a layup, or get to the free-throw line… A lot of them are old-school fans. They’re used to how the NBA was. There’s been a lot of stars that have been injured. A kid that loves a certain star, and they’re not going to go play.”
“There’s no point in me going to the game. Back then it was a lot more rivalry stuff. I don’t think there are that big of rivalries anymore that is must see… You can argue that eras played harder, and more physical. In this era, we are definitely probably the most skilled. Now we just gotta add the extra elements into that.”
PG keeps it real on why NBA ratings are dropping:
"Analytics kind of took over … coaches want 3-pointers, layups or get to the free throw line." pic.twitter.com/1rGvTN3irv
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) December 30, 2024
George’s point goes back to the argument by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal said no team plays differently in the modern NBA as everyone plays the same way, shooting plenty of shots from three every game.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
