1. Have a legends game




The PBA does it, so why can't the NBA? A lot of NBA retirees still play overseas and in leagues like the Big 3. Besides, the greats are always in attendance anyway. Of course the rules have to be modified to accommodate the older players (i.e. shorter quarters) and it's not going to be quite like Uncle Drew. But we think fans still want to see the likes of Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Manu Ginobili play one more (maybe slower-paced) game. It might take a lot of work for the NBA to make this happen but if it does, it's going to be one of the most anticipated events for the entire weekend.



2. Include the 4-point area in the 3-point contest


With more and more players taking shots way beyond the three-point arc, why isn't that aspect of the game still not included in the event that's supposed to recognize the league's best? Here's our suggestion: instead of replacing one of the five regular distance racks as the money ball rack (where all shots are worth two points each), make the moneyball rack a sixth rack placed 30 feet away from the basket so we can see a lot of this:



Make each shot from the bonus long-distance rack count for 4 points each and you have the makings of a more exciting shootout with a bigger possibility of a dramatic finish.



3. Integrate the slam dunk contest in the All-Star Game


So, you know, real stars will participate. Not to put down the young guns but we've had it with players who don't even get regular playing time during the season attempt lame dunks year after year. We deserve to see all-stars attempt those same lame dunks the amazing. So why not make this contest the half-time exhibition for the actual All-Star game? You already have some of the most athletic players in the game like


Giannis Antetokounmpo,



Paul George,



and Russell Westbrook.



Make them dunk.


And speaking of dunking in the all-star game...



4. Make dunks worth more points.


Do you know how many three-point shots were attempted in this year's all-star game? Too many. It's fun when a player gets hot and makes multiple threes in a row from the halfcourt logo but an almost entire quarter devoted to three-point shooting? Wouldn't you rather see more of this:



It's a fact that dunks are ultimately more exciting than three pointers so it only makes sense, at least for this game, to make dunks worth 4 points to give players more incentive to try and make our jaws drop.



5. Improve the skills competition


Dribble around pylons, make a chest pass, make a layup, dribble more, take a three. It's the most unimaginative obstacle course ever assembled and makes for a pretty boring segment. These guys did a better job in their backyard:



Why don't we spice it up a bit a la American Ninja Warrior or Takeshi's Castle? We're thinking passing to moving targets, dribbling through a gauntlet of swinging pendulums, maybe making a shot against a robot arm defender. Anything would be better as there is nothing you can do that can make this event more boring than it is already.