In another attempt to make the All-Star game more competitive, the NBA changed the format for the event once again. They moved away from the traditional East vs. West format again and opted for a four-team, mini-tournament format. Needless to say, nearly everybody from fans to the players was not a fan of the new format. This includes Pascal Siakam, the Indiana Pacers' only All-Star representative, whose comments were a perfect description of everything wrong with the new format.
Pascal Siakam slams the slow pace of the new All-Star Game format
Arguably the biggest takeaway from last night's All-Star Game(s) was how little basketball was actually being played. Instead, the event relied more heavily on advertisements and other segments. Additionally, each game ended when the first team scored 40 points. This made it difficult for fand and players to get invested in each game, even if they were technically more competitive than other ones in recent history.
After the event, Siakam spoke about the negative aspect of the new format, saying "There was a lot of sitting around."
From Sunday night:
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 17, 2025
"I can't evaluate it. I don't know. It was OK. Then there were times there was alot going on. I feel like one game maybe, but two games. There was alot of sitting around."
Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam on new #NBAAllStar format. #NBAAllStarWeekend #Pacers pic.twitter.com/tPKZV0KYOA
Many resonate with Siakam's comments and agree with his sentiment. On paper, there is a lot to like about the new mini-tournament format, especially since it appeared that the players gave more effort because of it, but the presentation and overall pace made the event more of a chore to watch.
Currently, it is unclear what changes might be coming to the event next year. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver may keep the current format in place and just make tweaks to it, he could revert to the East vs. West format, or he could do something entirely different. With the generally negative feedback the event received, it is fair to assume Silver will make substantial changes.
As for Siakam's performance last night, there was not much home to write about. In two games for Team Chuck, Siakam scored a combined four points on 2-for-2 shooting in 10 minutes. He also recorded two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. It was his first All-Star appearance as a member of the Pacers.
Now that the All-Star Game is behind us, Siakam and the Pacers will shift their focus to the second half of the season. The Pacers currently own a 30-23 record and stand as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. After last year's conference finals run, the Pacers will look to finish the regular season on a strong note and establish themselves as title contenders.